Diane Louise Melvin

Diane Louise Melvin, 77, of Ewa Beach passed away peacefully at Queen's Hospital in Honolulu on October 29, 2023 after a brief and complicated illness. She was with her loving and beloved daughter Rachel, son-in-law Rick and her sister Denny. Diane clearly and strongly chose palliative care two days before she died. She had time to express her love and appreciation and say goodbye to some of her closest family and friends.

Diane and her twin sister Denny were born December 27, 1945 in Honolulu. At birth they were adopted by Dr. Maurice and Helen de Harne of Wahiawa. Diane enjoyed a wonderful childhood in Wahiawa and later returned from a beach house on the North Shore to live in Wahiawa with her husband, Buzz, and young family to enjoy many years living on Lake Wilson. There Diane raised her beloved daughters Rachel and Noe and her beloved grandson Micah who is a son to her.

Diane attended Punahou School and the University of Oregon and graduated from the University of Hawaii. She worked for the State of Hawaii Department of Human Services in the Wahiawa office for many years. She was involved in the Wahiawa community, serving on an early Neighborhood Board and dressing up as the legendary Green Lady at some community events. She was also involved at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, serving in various roles over the years. In later years she moved to Ewa Beach to be near her dear daughter Rachel's family. There she also became involved with the amazing Ewa Hui Aloha Senior Club, serving as vice president and president.

The heart of Diane's life was family. She raised her wonderful daughters Rachel and Noe, helping create a fun home for their neighborhood and school friends. She was always ready to pack the car with kids for a day at the beach or to go see a movie that just hit the theatres. After the heartbreaking, untimely death of her beloved daughter Noe, Diane raised her infant grandson Micah as her son. She was his greatest advocate, his fierce and loving lioness. Diane was also her mother's mainstay, sharing good times and, in later years, her home. Diane loved being near her grandchildren in Ewa Beach as they grew up.  She felt that was the best decision she ever made. She was their generous chauffeur, cherishing that one to one car time, and she was a big fan of their activities. Diane loved family gatherings, Sunday dinners, Netflix binging, and was an avid reader.  Diane can be credited with passing on her love and passion for theatre to her daughter and grandchildren.  She also enjoyed fun gatherings with the Grandma/Aunties, her extended family matriarchs. She enjoyed their many lunches, holoholo and the shared love of all their wonderful children and grandchildren. Diane enjoyed playing mahjong regularly with her Punahou and University of Oregon friends at different meeting places around Oahu.  Diane was a huge dog lover and loved many dogs over the years including Rachel's dogs who she often dogsat. Her dog Pele was her most recent love. They participated together in a public service announcement for Hawaii Fi-Do Service Dogs.

One of the joys of Diane's later years was her discovery through Ancestry.com of the families of her birthparents. She and her sister Denny found four brothers, several aunts and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Family reunions, visits and vacations together were so much fun and she thoroughly enjoyed getting to know everyone. 

Diane is survived by daughter Rachel Raquino (Rick), son/grandson Micah Iuli, grandsons Noah and Matthew Raquino, sister Denny de Harne (Yosi Kliger), brother David Petersen (Mary), brother Bob Sawhill (Risa), brother Jim Sawhill (Sue), brother Marty Rood, many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

Diane is predeceased by daughter Noe Melvin, granddaughter Kiana Raquino and parents Dr. Maurice and Helen de Harne. 

A private family burial and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers or gifts, friends and family who wish may donate to Hawaii Fi-Do Service Dogs (hawaiifido.org) or to their favorite charity.

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