Diane Loraine McGowan

Diane Loraine (Hickox) McGowan

August 28th, 1950 - November 27, 2025

    It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved mother, and grandmother, Diane Loraine McGowan, born Diana Colvin.  She passed away at her home in Santa Rosa, California, at the age of 75.

    Our mother was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to her work and her hobbies. She was a deeply loyal and hard worker, spending many cherished years at Sears Departement store, where she was known for her commitment and friendly demeanor. Prior to her time in retail, she also contributed her skills in banking, where she obtained a teller position at a young age, and worked her way to branch manager at Crocker Bank and Bank of America in downtown San Francisco.

    Beyond her professional life, she had a vibrant attitude and a loving soul. She was committed to her pets and very proud of her family. She found immense joy in the simple pleasures of life: getting lost in the pages of a good book, collecting her favorite music, and adventures on Trinity Lake, including many winning hands playing card games in the family's tiny vacation camp cabin in the Trinity mountains. These were the moments where her spirit was happiest. 

    Diane was born in Long Beach, Los Angeles county, to Norma Lola Forbes and Mack Duane Colvin.  Diane's mother relocated to Concord when she and her sister were very young, and remarried.  Diane became Diane Hickox and absolutely adored her step-dad, Donald Hickox, as well as her younger sister and brother, and her uncles, aunts, and cousins. Diane graduated from Mt. Diablo High School in Concord, and in 1970, eloped in Reno, becoming Diane Clark, and had a daughter, Michele Clark. She and her new family moved to San Francisco and settled in Pacifica for many years.  Diane later had her second daughter, Amanda McGowan, in 1986. Desiring a quieter, country life, she and her family relocated to Sonoma County and finally to Santa Rosa.

    She is survived by her loving family who will miss her dearly: her oldest daughter, Michele Castano; her younger daughter, Amanda Key, and Amanda's husband, Jason Key; and her five grandchildren, Celine Castano, Cameron Castano, Camille Castano, Kalea Key and Hannah Key. She will be missed by her dear sisters, beloved cousins, nephews and other extended family.

    A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Diane and the memorable life she left behind, on Saturday January 17th, 2026, at 2705 Range Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA, in the clubhouse from 12:30 - 3:30 pm which will include lunch and refreshments. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests any donations be made to a charity supporting animal welfare or planting a tree, both of which would warm her heart.

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