Diane Elizabeth Hobday

Diane Elizabeth Hoday was born in Boston, Massachusetts to Robert Thomas Hobday II and Barbara Virginia Cunningham Hobday on October 12,1944. Diane was the eldest of three children, her younger brothers were Robert Thomas Hoday III and David Tyson Hobday (predeceased).

In August 1957, Diane desegregated her high school, Perryville High School in Maryland. She didn't talk much about the experience except to say, she did not care for the school. And that her experience was a troubling one.

Diane was one the first five black flight attendants at Eastern Airlines. A job that she loved dearly. In the early eighties, Diane thwarted a hijacking attempt. Although it stressed her, she subdued a hijacker, along with others. She wasn't named in the papers - which is how she wanted things. But Diane helped save the passengers onboard.

Later, Diane worked for Cunard Cruise lines where she enjoyed cruising on the QE2. She traveled the world at least five times and spent many birthdays overseas. Later, she worked as a travel agent for Liberty Travel where she got an award for being Rookie of the Year.

Soon after, she retired.

Diane loved to travel, but she loved Manhattan and her view of the Empire State Building even more. Going to her home meant fantastic food and great conversation. She loved people and adored entertaining. Diane was a trained chef. It was a treat if you got to eat her food. She could cook most people under the table. Diane never made a dish more than once, unless requested. She was a master. She was also an etiquette expert and gave the best gifts.

Diane was more than just an aunt, a sister, or whatever box people wanted to put her in. No one we knew cooked like her. It's how Diane showed she loved you. She was a warrior. That is how we want to remember her.

Diane is survived by her sister-in-law, Nancy Price-Hoday (David

T. Hobday's widow); her eldest nephew, David T.E. Hobday; her niece, Lisa K. Hobday; her niece-in-law, Tawana Hobday; her grand-niece Jasmine Mitchell; her grand-nephew, Jair Hobday; and her grand-niece

Joy Hobday.

Diane was the last one of her siblings to pass.

We will miss her terribly. Rest in Heaven Di.

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