University Times

Diane E. Ford died on Oct. 10, 1998, after a long battle against ovarian cancer. She came to the University in 1985 as administrative secretary to the director of the University of Pittsburgh Bicentennial Commission. In 1987, after the successful completion of the Bicentennial celebration, she joined the Office of the Secretary. Ford was elected assistant secretary of the Board of Trustees in 1991. In 1994, she learned she had cancer, but continued to serve the University until December 1997, when it became impossible for her to continue working.

During her career, Ford worked directly with three chancellors of the University, three chairmen of the Board of Trustees and three secretaries of the board. Robert Dunkelman, current secretary to the Board of Trustees, said of Ford: "Most of the myriad details associated with the board meetings were Diane's responsibility, and she always handled them in an efficient manner. Her work was of the highest caliber, and anyone who worked with her can attest to her dedication to the Office of the Secretary and the University." Ford was an avid golfer and a member of the Women's Golf Association of Western Pennsylvania. She played in numerous golf tournaments, and she and her husband, Mike, traveled to golfing events during the summer months. She was an active member of the Alcoma Golf Club, and it was there, on Nov. 13, 1994, that she hit a hole-in-one on hole No. 8.

Ford grew up in West View, but was a long-time resident of Penn Hills. In addition to her husband, Mike Ford, she is survived by her son, Michael Ford (a University librarian), and her sister, Jean Ling of Butler.

Memorial contributions can be made to the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, 201 Lillian Kaufmann Building, 3471 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15213.