Mary Diane Litchfield, beloved wife of Jim Litchfield, died peacefully in her home on September 6th. Born Mary Diane Johansing in Oxnard, California, and called Diney by all her family, Diane was the oldest of 10 children to Elizabeth and Walter Johansing. She attended Mayfield School in Pasadena and made lifelong friends at Gonzaga University, while earning her bachelor’s degree in Psychology.
After college, Diane traveled through Europe and spent several meaningful months working alongside Madre María Teresa Visitación Hernández in an underserved community of Madrid. Diane’s time in Spain was life-changing and her connection to Spanish friends continued her entire life.
Diane met her future husband, James Francis Litchfield, at a Catholic Singles Club gathering in Pasadena. This marked the beginning of their journey together, raising 7 children in South Pasadena and celebrating 57 years of marriage.
Diane embraced her life as a mother and, during the many years she devoted to raising children, nurtured her faith by singing in the church choir at Holy Family Parish and Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. Diane was also an Oblate at Saint Andrew’s Abbey in Valyermo, honoring her spiritual commitment to the Catholic faith.
Jim and Diane retired to Ventura where they cherished the ocean. They shared a love for the Johansing ranch, treasuring its peacefulness and gift for gathering family. Their retirement years were full of travels, including a recent trip to Alaska, Seattle, and Portland, where they connected with many people dear to them.
Known for her love of children and her Senegal parrot, Diane was adored by all. She was a wonderful listener who made time for others. To her family, she was a kind, calm, and loving person. To her neighbors, she was a friend whose door was always open. Diane passed away with tremendous gratitude for all the people in her life.
Diane will be missed dearly by her family and friends. She is survived by her adoring husband, Jim; their children, Michelle (Will) de Jong, Joe Litchfield, Mary (Levi) Nunez, Teresa Litchfield (Pat McElwain), Catherine (Glen) Barrisford, Paul (Denise) Litchfield, and Maureen (Randy) Arizmendiz; her 17 grandchildren, Shirley Deng, Lila Nunez, Winston de Jong, Emma Litchfield, Jules Nunez, Aiden Litchfield, Kyle Barrisford, Eliza de Jong, Kalen Barrisford, Lincoln McElwain, Luke Litchfield, Piper McElwain, Dora Nunez, Chloe Litchfield, Sage McElwain, Owen Barrisford, and Rosemary Arizmendiz. She is also survived by her siblings, Sally (Bill) Held, Bethie (Bob) Cote, Tommy (Judy) Johansing, and Karen (Steve) Meyer. She is also survived by her in-laws Bill Hall, Corky Johansing, and Kathy Johansing, and by her many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at Our Lady of Assumption on October 19, 2024 at 2pm with Reverend Michael Wakefield of St. Francis de Sales in Sherman Oaks officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saint Andrew's Abbey in Valyermo at (661) 944-2178 or https://saintandrewsabbey.com/memorial-gift/