Diane Poncher Obituary

Poncher, Diane S. December 11, 1913 – October 12, 2009. Born in Chicago as Diane Sylvia Gans, she had a deep devotion to family and friends throughout her life. Diane was a life-long resident of the Chicago area and a 40-year resident of Rancho Mirage, CA. She was a kind, loving, caring, optimistic woman who helped many people with advice and support. A philanthropist born of modest means, Diane believed in one's obligation to give back to her community and supported many charities including the Jewish Federation and the Gastro-Intestinal Research Foundation. She was a dedicated supporter of liberal democracy as both a worker and contributor to many Illinois and national Democratic candidates. Her proudest political achievement was being named a member of Nixon's Enemies List in 1973. Diane loved traveling, fishing, golf, and entertaining. She was a generous patron of the arts and often attended the Palm Springs Symphony. With all of her worldly and political endeavors, however, nothing made her happier than to spend time with her family, immediate and extended. She was the last survivor of six siblings, all of whom she loved dearly. Cherishing her memory are her children, Lyle and Kathy, her grandchildren, Joshua, Erica, Amy, and Zachary, and a host of relatives and friends. Services were held on October 15 at Hillside Memorial Park in Los Angeles, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jewish Federation of Palm Springs.