Diane Marie Overton, of Perkasie, PA, and formerly of Ardsley, NY, passed away Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Grand View Hospital, Sellersville, PA.  She was 91.

Born in Mount Vernon, NY, she was the daughter of the late Winfred  Evelyn "Winnie" (Gristy) and Beauregard Reginald "Reggie" Ellrodt, II.

A graduate of White Plains High School and the Fashion Institute of Technology, NYC, she earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Iona University, at the age of 65.  She continued to value education, took continuing education courses after retirement, collected books, read the Sunday NY Times and enjoyed studying history, genealogy, local and world affairs.

As a young woman, Diane worked for Macy's Department Store, and participated in the Macy Day Parade.  When Diane's children were young, she volunteered as a 4-H Club Leader and was the President of the PTA.  When she returned to work full-time, she served for many years as a volunteer coordinator for the March of Dimes and the American Heart Association.  When the kids were older, she took a second job at Bloomingdale's, with the added benefit of an employee discount on great fashion!  She was an executive secretary for Iona University for ten years until retiring in 1997.

Upon retirement, moving from New York was a huge transition, leaving behind her history and family connections.  She loved living in Pennsylvania.  She was closer to grandchildren and visited them frequently.  The charm of 'Old Town' Perkasie reminded her of Valhalla, where she grew up.  She felt embraced by this warm community for 25 years.

Diane was a talented seamstress, with a passion for fashion and design.  She enjoyed creating and appreciating art.  She was proud to have raised her three daughters on her own and adored her grandchildren. As Diane moved throughout her life, she made each place she lived a warm and loving home. She was welcoming and eager to meet new people, relishing conversation.  She was a resilient woman, who bounced back when life threw her a curveball.

Diane is survived by her three daughters, Laura Overton and her partner John Obie, of Ocean View, DE, Nancy Overton and her husband Robert Aikens, of Kintnersville, PA, and Maureen Cannata and her husband Curt, of Mashpee, MA; four grandchildren, Shawn Aikens and his wife Jyotsna Naga, Ellen Aikens, Ph.D. and her husband Ben Koger, Ph.D., Caroline Cannata and Jade Cannata; a brother, Barry Ellrodt and his wife Julie, of Elmsford, NY; and her three beloved granddogs, Watson, Max and Duke.

Services will be held privately in New York.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a favorite animal rescue or have lunch with a loved one in memory of Diane.

Arrangements are by the Suess-Gahman Funeral Home & Crematory, 606 Arch Street, Perkasie, PA.