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Dianna Lee Kane
Dianna Lee Kane (nèe Hartwell) died at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset on March 28. She was 61.
Born on February 2, 1950, in Southampton to Hester Lelia Hayes-Graham and Richard Lee Hartwell, she graduated from East Hampton High School and went on to attend cosmetology and business schools on Long Island. Throughout her life she worked as an administrative assistant, seamstress, hairstylist, and professional home/office cleaner. She spent the last 25 years happily employed by Bud and Tinka Topping as a personal assistant. She considered the Topping Farm her very own, often telling stories about Tinka’s children and grandchildren. It even became a family tradition for Ms. Kane to watch movies that were produced by the Topping’s daughter, Jenno, with her own children.
Ms. Kane, who was affectionately known as “Di,” “Diola,” and “Di-Di,” was best known for her compassionate heart, lively spirit, and her skillful manner for telling it like it is. She loved music, cooking with her children, driving, and going to the beach. Some of her hobbies included watching movies with her family, sewing beautiful wedding dresses, modeling, singing and visiting family members. Before her illness, she was often on the front lawn of her Morris Park home working out to Jane Fonda. Ms. Kane was also a devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church in East Hampton, where she sang in the choir and participated in many church activities.
According to survivors, she was a fighter in every sense of the word. She fought to overcome many obstacles throughout her life. She fought for what she believed in; for her children, grandchildren and family members; and she fought for her life to the very end. The strength of her character transferred to her children and has resulted in an unbreakable bond between them all.
She is survived by her four children, Jolyn Reneé Hopson, Sharmon Lynn Hopson-Allen, Deven Kane and Lorenzo Lee Smith; son-in-law, Thomas Allen; daughter-in-law, Hana Fekadu Dawit; and future sons-in-law, Kevin Sutton and Jeffrey Barnes; a sister, Marion Hayes-Bruno; grandchildren, Eric Hopson, Zakia Allen, Sha-Darian Allen, Reymond Kane, Re’Quan Hopson, and Monree’ Allen; granddaughter-in-law Crystal Thomas-Hopson; a great-grandson, Jevuan Hopson; a niece, Tamika Jeffries; a nephew, Dion Eromosele; great-nephews, Johkari Royal and Daishon Royal; great-nieces, Shakera Wyche and Amara Eromosele; adopted grandsons, Freddy Stevens Jr. and Keith Myers; her dearest friends, Rennie, Junior and Mattie Wilson; Hope Lewis; Clyde Allen; and her comforter and confidant Charlene Walker; and many uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.
Ms. Kane was predeceased by her son, Melvin Douglas Hopson Jr.; a brother, Gregory Graham; a great-niece, Tanisha Jeffries; and ex-husbands, Melvin Hopson and Jack (John) Kane.
Visiting hours will take place Friday, April 8, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Yardley & Pino Funeral Home in East Hampton. A funeral service will be held Saturday, April 9, at 1 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church in East Hampton.
on Apr 5, 2011