DIANE VOGLER

Diane C. Vogler was born in Syracuse, NY on June 24, 1945, to John and Lucille (Tucci) Busco, the younger sister of brother  John. She grew up in Eastwood, and at Eastwood High School she met her future husband, John “Jack” Vogler.  After graduation she went to work at the Upstate Medical Library, while Jack attended college. They were married on May 29, 1965, and had two children: Deborah Bittel and John. They moved to Lyncourt in 1976, where Jack still resides today. They were blessed with grandchildren Adam and Alyssa Bittel, whom Diane adored.

After the birth of Debbie, Diane decided to stay at home to raise her children, until Brian entered kindergarten. She was a devoted mother, as well as, being devoted to her own mother and extended family. She was active in coaching Brian for much of the time while he played baseball in the Lyncourt Little League. Also, as an active member of the National Skate Patrol at Onondaga Lake Park Diane enjoyed helping people and watching out to keep all skaters safe at the park.  In addition, Jack and Diane were members of the Syracuse Corvette Club and had many great times cruising around in her “baby”, a midnight blue Corvette.

In January of 1998 Diane found an odd indentation in her breast.  She immediately made an appointment to have it checked out.  From that point, her life would never be the same. After three surgeries to determine the cause of this indentation, unfortunately, the diagnosis was breast cancer. Scans revealed she was already in Stage 4. Though some in the medical field felt she would have, maybe, 18 months to live, Diane Vogler was a true warrior. She was determined to spend as much time as possible with her family and friends, while fighting this battle with all her might. As she went through many painful and agonizing procedures, she was her own strongest supporter, remaining optimistic and upbeat. At this time she was dedicated to helping others as they battled to survive breast cancer. She volunteered every year for the Baldwin Fund’s “Beach Days for Breast Cancer” at Gillie Lake.

Diane knew from day one of her diagnosis that she was in for the fight of her life. She would not go quietly or quickly. She decided that she, not the disease, would control her life. Her newfound courage enabled her to take her first ever airplane ride with her entire family for a Florida vacation. There would be many more vacations with various friends and family members during her 11 year struggle. Her grandchildren now have many fond memories of the time spent with their “Nana”. She did not want them to remember her as the “sick grandmother”, but to recall these special moments, especially the annual sleepovers on New Year’s Eve at Nana’s and Papa’s.

It is truly a blessing and inspiration to look back on Diane’s life. What a great woman, wife, mother, daughter grandmother and friend she was. She will always be remembered as a woman of strong character who never failed to voice her opinion: fight with all your might, enjoy life to the fullest, for as long as it may be. She will always be in our hearts.