Diana Lyn (Ahlgreen) Shew

Dedicated in the loving memory of Diana Lyn Shew, 66, who passed away unexpectedly at home Saturday afternoon on February 19, 2022.

She was born March 8, 1955, to Melvin and Warrine Ahlgreen in Akron, Ohio. They later moved to Tallmadge where she grew up with her younger siblings on S.  Munroe Road. Many of her friendships from childhood lasted until the end of her life.

Graduating high school with a cosmetology degree in 1973, Diana (Dee) started working as a hairdresser for several years. Her best friend, Nina, is how she would meet her soulmate, James L. Shew, that she later married at age 20 at Saint Mark's Lutheran Church in Tallmadge on a hot summer day while wearing a winter wedding dress because they had to change their original wedding date. Their honeymoon in Florida was cut short because her husband wanted to see Elvis Presley in concert, which would end up being the King's last tour. She was so happy she saw Elvis' last show before his passing as going to concerts was her favorite pastime. She loved reading and writing. In the late 1970s, she won a contest where she had the opportunity to have one of her poems published in a book. Her poem that won was called, 'Four Seasons of Love': ______ Four Seasons of Love By Diana Lyn Shew

We met, you and I. Our love blossomed, Like a new bud on a tree. Precious, fragile, as a newborn kitten. Quietly, softly, as the floating clouds in the sky. Was the springtime of our love. We loved, you and I. On the burning sands of love, we thirsted for each other. Passionately, aggressively, as a mother protects her young. Heatedly, as the blazing sun beats the desert sands. Was the summer of our love. We became distant, you and I. Our love flickered, like the burning candle in the breeze. Cooling, changing, as a flowing mountain stream. Cold, blustering, as the great northern wind. Was the autumn of our love. Our love was no more, dying. Silently, swiftly, as a thief steals away in the night. smothered, as the melting candle is extinguished. Dead, like the blackened trees after a forest fire. Was the winter of our love. _______

After leaving the hair salon, Dee worked her way up to become assistant general manager for twenty-plus years at McDonald's. She worked at several different McLocations all over Summit & Portage County. Her and her husband gave birth to their daughter, Danielle, in November of 1990. After her husband passed away suddenly from a heart attack in June 1996, her friends and family helped her raise her daughter on her own while she got back on her feet. She eventually met her life partner, a long-time family friend, Charles (Tom) Ball, and his daughter, Nina, whom she would remain with until his sudden death in 2016.

In 1998, she was in a near fatal car accident that left her unable to work for several years. She took some time off to raise her daughter, Danielle (Dani) while she recovered. When she later rejoined the workforce again, she worked another twenty years as a call representative, first for various banks and, finally, for nonprofit organizations such as St. Jude Children's Hospital at Infocision. While working as a call representative, she also enrolled in classes for Medical Billing & Coding and excelled in her studies but had to drop the courses after her life partner became sick & he had to retire.

Dee enjoyed many hobbies if she could do them with her hot coffee black with three ice cubes. She was a creative spirit all her life. From crafts, photography, crocheting, and coloring, Dee had many talents & interests. She was always looking for a new hobby to explore and shopping for it to get the best deals. In the spring, she loved working in her garden, always shopping for flowers to grow for the year. She loved her wisteria tree, lilac bush, and her sunflowers that would grow as tall as her house. In the summer, she loved to relax by the pool, showing off her garden, and road trips with her music playing. In the fall, she loved watching the leaves change colors, the new fall lineup of favorite shows, and decorating for Halloween & Thanksgiving. In the winter, she loved her holiday movies, along with celebrating the holidays with family and friends every year. She especially took great pride in her Christmas tree decoration themes. Anyone that came into her house would know how much creativity she put into her holiday decorations, especially her Christmas trees. ___ And as we wind on down the road Our shadows taller than our soul There walks a lady we all know Who shines white light and wants to show How everything still turns to gold And if you listen very hard The tune will come to you at last When all is one and one is all, that's what it is To be a rock and not to roll, oh yeah And she's buying a stairway to heaven ___ Dee was selfless, steadfast, patient mother, sister, and friend. She was a mother to those without one. She offered her home to many that needed a safe place to stay, or maybe just some good home cooking so you wouldn't leave her house hungry. She was always caring for people, empathic to anyone's needs. She was always making sure people were happy, many times putting her needs before her own. You knew she loved you the moment she greeted you. She had the kindest blue eyes that could not only see into your soul, but also cleanse you from your worries. She loved people and talking to people, hearing their stories. Most of all, she loved her daughter.

In her final days, despite her declining health, you would always find her with a smile on her face sitting in her favorite spot on her couch or recliner. Dee enjoyed watching television and movies, playing games on her phone, cuddling with her dog, Leena, and telling her spoiled cat, Liza Minnelli, she's had too many treats.

Dee is preceded in death by husband, James L. Shew, and life partner, Charles Thomas Ball. She is survived by her daughter, Danielle (Dani) Shew, followed by her siblings: Karin, Carolyn, and Eric.

She will be cremated. No service will be held at this time until further arrangements can be made. As her final wishes, please listen to Led Zeppelin's 'Stairway to Heaven' in memory of Diana Lyn Shew, daughter, sister, friend, wife, and mother. ___ Footprints in the Sand By Diana Lyn Shew As we walk hand in hand, we leave our footprints in the sand. For miles and miles we walk along, while the seagulls cry their song. We talk of hopes and dreams and secrets deep, knowing our love forever will keep. As we watch the waves wash ashore, our footprints will be no more. As we watch the dawn's early rays, it's the start of a brand new day. As we walk hand in hand, we leave our footprints in the sand. ___ In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Momma Dee's Memorial Fund. A later date will be announced.

Momma Dee's Memorial Fund: https://gofund.me/417209ec

Momma Dee's Memorial Fund
Web: https://gofund.me/417209ec