Diane N. (Bernard) TOUSSAINT

TOUSSAINT, BERNARD, PETERSON, GANNON, GRUBBE

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 1/18/2016 at 21:41:22

August 27, 1934 --- December 15, 2015

Diane N. Toussaint, 81, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015. She was born in Webster City on Aug. 27, 1934. The family lived on a farm outside of Woolstock, Iowa. Diane's father died of pneumonia when she was three. His death motivated her to pursue a nursing career. Diane's mother moved Diane and her sister to Webster City, and her mother remarried when Diane was 15 years old. Diane graduated salutatorian from Lincoln High School in Webster City in 1952. She graduated from nurses training in Chicago in 1955 and worked at Passavant Hospital until 1961. Diane served as an RN at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta in the thoracic surgery unit and later as night supervisor from 1961 to 1974. She moved to Cedar Rapids to become supervisor for the emergency room at St. Luke's Hospital from 1974 to 1978. She married Jack Toussaint in 1978 and retired from nursing in 1981.

Diane and Jack enjoyed traveling the world together. She was dedicated to her family, and she especially cherished her grandchildren. Diane was generous in her volunteer work and contributions to the community. She served as president of St. Luke's Auxiliary and held other positions of leadership.

Diane was a longtime member and active volunteer at St. Paul's United Methodist Church. She also was an active leader and volunteer at The Meth-Wick Community. She was a devoted and loyal member of her beloved PEO Chapter JT. She served as treasurer of her chapter for 14 years, and she was admired for her dry sense of humor and her voice of reason.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Toussaint; father, Cecil Bernard; mother, Merle Peterson; and stepfather, Eddie Peterson. She is survived by her two stepchildren, Dr. John Toussaint and Carol Gannon and their families; and her sister, Marilyn Grubbe and her family. A private family service will be at a later date. Family condolences may be mailed to Carol Gannon at 909 16th St., West Des Moines, IA 50265. Memorial gifts may be given to The Meth-Wick Community – Diane Toussaint Fund. Contributions can be mailed to Meth-Wick at 1224 13th St. NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

The Gazette --- Cedar Rapids-Iowa City, Iowa
December 18, 2015