Diana Joan Tanger Johnson, beloved wife of Wayland Johnson and long-time Newtown resident, died suddenly on August 19 in Pensacola, Florida during a visit with friends. She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her.

Diana was born August 23, 1940, to Charles and Ethel (Nebel) Tanger in Camden, New Jersey. She grew up in Depford Township, New Jersey, where her parents ran a poultry farm and later owned a feed store. She was a horsewoman from the age of 9 and always loved riding, making great use of Newtown’s many wooded trails in her years here.

In 1960, Diana graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with an associate’s degree in advertising. She worked for TWA Airlines from 1960 to 1964 as a stewardess and model. Her most famous passenger was President Harry S. Truman, who talked to her at length during his flight. In 1964, Diana left the airline to marry Wayland Dale Johnson and become a pilot’s wife. The couple moved to Newtown in 1973 and raised their three children here. She never lost her passion for travel, and the family has taken many trips together over the years.

In 1980, she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in secondary education and geology from Western Connecticut State University and taught middle school science in Brookfield, Conn., for a year. After taking a Dale Carnegie leadership class, she was fascinated with the impact the course could have on people’s lives and became an advanced instructor with the company. Later, she formed her own company based on Dale Carnegie principles, Vue Systems LLC, which offered seminars on successful business practices and public speaking.

In years past, Diana was a member of the Conservation Commission and was co-president of the Business and Professional Women of Newtown. More recently, she has been a long-time member of the Mayflower Book Club and the Town and Country Garden Club of Newtown. She loved tennis, gardening, the outdoors, and especially people. Her passing leaves a great hole in the lives and the hearts of the many, many people who called her “friend.” We will miss her warmth, her compassion, her sincere interest in our lives, and her unfailing support.

In 1984, Diana and Wayland conceived the idea of a Christmas tree lighting and luminaria display at Ram Pasture. Working with the Chamber of Commerce and library director Janet Woycik, Diana established the tradition that has brought (and still brings) the town together every December for performances, food, drink, and the lighting of the tree to kick off the holiday season. In 2016, the Newtown Chamber of Commerce recognized her great and continuing contributions to the town with an honorary membership.

Diana was entirely devoted to her family and loved nothing more than spending time with them. Besides her husband Wayland, she is survived by her three children: Dawn Robinson (Martin), Michael Johnson (Cynthia), and Sandra Murray (Robert); and her six grandchildren: Cheyenne Robinson, Matthew Robinson, Lucas Johnson, Katie Johnson, Shane Murray, and Cole Murray.

She was predeceased by parents, Charles and Ethel Tanger, and a brother, Charles Tanger, Jr.

A memorial service is planned for October 8, at 11 am, at the Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street in Newtown. There will be a Friendship Gathering at the church after the service.

Anyone wishing to honor Diana’s memory may make a donation to one of the following: The Newtown Park Gift Fund (with a memo “Tree Lighting Fund Diana Johnson”), c/o Newtown Parks and Recreation, 8 Simpson Street, Newtown CT 06470 or The Town and Country Garden Club, PO Box 15, Hawleyville CT 06440 or The Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West Street, Newtown CT 06470.