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CORTLAND -- Diana L. Martin, 79, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, at the Cleveland Clinic.
Born in 1947, Diana grew up surrounded by family, at Sunday family dinners and at cousin sleepovers. As the oldest of five, she always felt like a mother figure, and loved talking and laughing with her siblings. Those early years shaped the sweet, generous and thoughtful mother and wife she later became.
Diana attended Lakeview High School in Cortland (Class of 1965), where she later sent her children, often volunteering for every "homeroom mother" spot available, working at the Land Lab way past her kids being of age to attend, and helping with uniforms for the marching band.
She built a life centered on service and deep love for her family. She loved being a mother, and later on a grandmother, attending every event cheering loudest of all.
Diana showed her family love by remembering everyone's birthdays and major life events by sending them cards (often filled with confetti) and providing advice and listening that made people feel loved and understood. Her family will remember her strength, prayers and laugh with fondness.
After 57 years of marriage, Diana leaves behind her loving husband, Frank Martin; two children, Ethan Martin and Halley (Brian) Cole; three grandchildren, Fallon Penrod, and Alexis and Aurora Cole; two great-grandchildren, Klarke and Rowan Penrod; two sisters, Debbie (Mark) Johns and Denise Burns; two sisters-in-law, Barbara J. Downing and Marlen Sue Martin; daughter-in-law, Jamie Oleson, and her children Gavin, Gracie and Evelyn; and loved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her beloved children, Jennifer Martin and Matthew Martin; parents, William and Mariam Downing; parents-in-law, Frank and Marlen Martin; brothers, Bill and Terry Downing; and sister-in-law, Barbara A. Downing.
Her legacy of kindness and devotion will continue in the lives of all who loved her.
A private family service will be held with a private internment.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to North Mar Church.
Arrangements handled by Lane Funeral Homes, Shafer-Winans Chapel.
To leave condolences for the family, visit www.lanefuneralhomes.com.
(special notice)