K. Diane Baumgartner

K. Diane Baumgartner, a beacon of light whose vibrant spirit danced through the currents of life, passed away surrounded by the love of her husband and children on November 9, 2023. Born on September 30, 1949, to John Walter Baumgartner and Anna Elizabeth Bell, Diane grew up on a family farm before moving to Vienna, MD where she embraced every aspect of life with an adventurous and joyful heart, spending many of her days at her grandmothers’ home playing the piano. Diane's passion for movement brought her and Edward Farley together through the rhythmic steps of contra dancing in 2004. Their souls intertwined, leading to a seaside wedding in Florida on February 29, 2008. As partners in life, they sailed through the ebbs and flows, dancing along many shores and anchored their lives not far from the water's edge in St. Michaels, MD. Diane, a devoted mother, shared her boundless love with her children Michael Hawkins, Ashley Dejter, Alex Hawkins, and Nick Hawkins, whose lives she shaped alongside Chester Hawkins. Her nurturing heart extended to her eldest grandson Maison Hawkins, whom she raised for 12 years. Affectionately known as 'Mom-mom,' she enveloped her grandchildren Ethan Hawkins, Cru Dejter, Eleanora Hawkins, Wade Dejter, Nolan Hawkins, Axel Hawkins, Beau Hawkins, and Ezra Hawkins in the warmth of her love, as vast and embracing as the ocean itself. Diane's siblings — Nancy Reid, John Baumgartner, Don 'Bumpy' Baumgartner, and Betty Anne 'Bee' Harding— were her close friends in life's journey. Together with Bee, they raised their children side by side, their laughter echoing through countless ocean vacations. Her essence was one of acceptance and empathy, a sanctuary for others, offering a peace that calmed the worries of many. Her children recall a home where anger was a stranger, and life's lessons were learned through living rather than lecturing. Diane's intuitive nature and presence made you feel like the center of her universe, a feeling cherished by all who knew her. Diane's diverse professional endeavors, spanning three distinct careers, were a unified expression of her deep exploration into various cultural practices of healing the human body. Her first act was as a dancer, gracing stages with performances that captured the hearts of audiences and the praise of critics. A graduate of the University of Maryland, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Dance in 1971, and subsequently, her Master of Arts from the University of Illinois in 1973. Diane's fervor for dance propelled her into the roles of instructor and choreographer at renowned institutions, including her tenure as a dance instructor at Sweet Briar College from 1976 to 1978, an artist in residence at Towson State in 1979, and an assistant professor of dance at Goucher College from 1979 to 1982. Her dedication to the arts continued as she choreographed and taught modern and jazz at the Baltimore School for the Arts, the University of Maryland, and the Peabody Conservatory from 1982 to 1984, leaving an indelible mark on the dance community. When motherhood called, Diane embraced it fully, only to reemerge in her second act as a nurturing nurse. After obtaining her Bachelor of Arts in Nursing from Stevenson University and her Master’s from Wesley College, Diane's impact as a nurse was profound and far-reaching. Known endearingly as 'Mrs. B' by the hundreds of students she mentored, Diane's legacy at Anne Arundel Community College and Chesapeake College is measured not just in the over 500 nursing students she educated, but in the countless lives they went on to touch. Her tenure there, which spanned a significant part of her career, was marked by the heartfelt support and unwavering belief she instilled in her students. Beyond her teaching, Diane brought an innovative spirit to Anne Arundel Hospital, where she introduced and developed a Reiki program, weaving her knowledge of holistic practices into the fabric of patient care, thereby enhancing the healing process with the energy and empathy that were the hallmarks of her life’s work. Diane's zest for life found its zenith in her sixties as she embraced the role of a certified yoga instructor which was not just a pursuit of personal well-being, but an extension of her lifelong commitment to nurturing others. With her characteristic enthusiasm, Diane traversed the world, seeking further certifications and deepening her practice amidst the serenity of these paradises. At the Talbot County Senior Center, she offered her expertise often without charge, making the transformative power of yoga accessible to her community. Her teaching extended to the sandy shores of OBX and Myrtle Beach, where family vacations were graced with her leading yoga sessions against the backdrop of the ocean—a place she felt most at peace. These sessions were more than mere exercises; they were the confluence of Diane's love for the water, her passion for teaching, and her innate ability to bring calm and balance into the lives of those around her, leaving a legacy for her family and community. Diane's life was a celebration, a dance of joy, love, and compassion. As we bid her farewell, we invite you to share in a celebration of her life, honoring a soul that moved gracefully through this world, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. Celebration of Life Service: January 7, 2024 3 PM at Living Waters Assembly in Denton, Md In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Living Waters Assembly, 9058 Double Hills Rd, Denton, MD 21629 "May the waves carry you home, and the dance never end."

K. Diane Baumgartner

September 30, 1949 - November 9, 2023