M. Dianne Lloyd 1946-2022

On January 15, 2022, Dianne passed into the realm of peace and tranquility. She loved life and enjoyed so many wonderful friends and professional associates in her lifetime. Everyone she met would comment on her sweet disposition and kind demeanor. 

Born on February 2, 1946, to Ora Lee and Charles P. Lloyd, Sr. in Chicago, IL. She attended Arlington Heights High School, Chicago, Indiana University (1968), University of Northern Colorado, M.A. 1984. 

Dianne will be remembered as an outstanding basketball player and coach. Besides "almost" making the Women's Basketball Olympics team. She had championship seasons with the girls at Palmer Jr. High School, Truman High School in Independence MO, Rocky Mountain High School in Fort Collins, CO. and University of Iowa (1982) 

Coach Dianne came to California to serve as head coach for women's basketball at Sonoma State in 1984. Later, she was hired to coach at Rancho Cotati High School and Analy High School in Sebastopol (2007) and Sonoma High School (2012).

Dianne was the first woman to sell cars at Hansel Ford in Santa Rosa in 1986. Soon after, she entered a partnership to own and operate the Sebastopol Pet Center. From then on, she became known as the "Pet Lady". She invited local school kids to the store to learn about the huge assortment of birds, fish, reptiles, and rodents that she had on display. She hired local kids to work in the store. She was adored by all. 

An avid golfer, Ms. Lloyd won the Women's championships at both the Sebastopol Golf Course and the Windsor Golf course. 

Dianne suffered heart failure in 2005 and had open heart surgery. The Pet Center was sold then, and after her recovery she began a new career as a golf instructor at the Links at Bodega Bay and Oakmont Village Golf Course. In 2017 Santa Rosa Junior College hired her as an adjunct professor for the Older Adult Program in  the Aqua Aerobics program.

Coaching kids was her passion; and she did it well. Her other passions included, playing classical music and jazz, being with her dogs, cats, and African Grey Parrot Dorian (whom she raised from an egg). Dianne collected giraffes, elephants, and photos of zebras, which she had on display everywhere. 

She is survived by her brother Scott Lloyd living in Dallas, Texas and her spouse of 20 years, Sue Carrell. From Sue:  "Always a smile on her face, Dianne was the Love of My Life; I will miss her with my whole heart and soul." 

Here at the Center, we will always remember Dianne for her beautiful heart, generous ways and her love for our teaching and classes. The bright light of Dianne's spirit brought love and warmth to all whom she met and we treasured her friendship.

Celebration of Life Services will be scheduled in March. Please email sue@suecarrell.com to ensure that we have your contact details on hand.