Celebrating Diane Arends
Resident Cheryl Owen put together this lovely tribute to Diane Arends, former publisher of Stroll Gulf Harbour, who passed away in December.
Receiving an award from N2, the publishing company.
A dear dear friend, Diane was also my “boss” as I joined other Gulf Harbour residents in contributing to the magazine. She was sassy, smart, intuitive, and incredibly committed to her beliefs. Residents, advertisers, and business associates are a few of the people who had the great privilege of meeting Diane 10 years ago as she morphed the struggling Unique Harbour Living magazine into today’s incredibly impressive Stroll publication. The impact of her dedication to tell Gulf Harbour stories so well is reflected in the following words.
Diane brought an energy, professionalism, and warmth that elevated every edition she touched. She told our stories with care, highlighted our people with genuine interest, and showcased our community in a way that made all of us proud. Her passion for connecting neighbors, celebrating successes, and capturing the spirit of Gulf Harbour helped strengthen our sense of community. Diane had a gift for making others feel valued, and her work reflected the joy she took in bringing people together. We celebrate the positive impact she made on all of us. She will be missed but always remembered with gratitude.
- Lonnie Eberhard, General Manager, GHYC
Diane always had a smile on her face, was an outstanding businesswoman, and loyal friend. She was an angel on this earth. We will miss her terribly. -Elise and Tom Starr, The Starr Team
We had the privilege of working with Diane for 10 years. Besides her dedication, professionalism, and steady presence, she brought kindness and integrity to everything she did. I loved that she took an interest in our Foodies events. Our friendship evolved as I provided articles and recipes, and Bill provided clever commentary for the magazine. Her absence will be deeply felt by everyone who knew her. Helen and Bill Donegan
Diane was a remarkable publisher and an even more remarkable person. Through Stroll, she brought the community together by celebrating its people, stories and shared spirit. Diane’s dedication, kindness, and passion for connection were evident in every issue. Her legacy lives on in the relationships she built, the voices she amplified, and the sense of community she helped to create. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. Diane Boutin, The Boutin Team, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
We will remember Diane for her creative spirit and very kind heart. Our thoughts are with her family, especially her three grandchildren who brought her joy and happiness. Diana and Joe Kirk
Diane brought intelligence, conviction, and compassion into every conversation. Her voice and her heart made an immediate and lasting impression. I will miss you, my friend. Lynn Benvenuti
Diane and I spent some great times in Johnny Browns, enjoying good conversations and plotting “who will be on the next cover." She always had a mischievous smile and a great sense of humor. Rest in peace my dear friend, you are sorely missed. Maureen Watt
Diane and I met when she took over the magazine. We traveled to Chicago for training with the publishing company. Since it was her hometown, we tore it up! I loved writing Stroll covers and pet stories for her. She was so appreciative and encouraging. Diane left an indelible mark on Gulf Harbour and me. Anne Hosford, Feature Writer
Diane was a kind and thoughtful editor who truly cared about shining a light on local businesses and the people who make our community special. Her generosity and spirit will be deeply missed. Marc and Sherri Neeley, The Neeley Team
Diane was a good businesswoman, a lovely lady, and a dear friend. Pat Warner
Diane was my dearest friend for many years. She will be remembered for her kindness, integrity and intelligence. She brought people together, an asset to the Gulf Harbour community. I love you, Diane. Stephanie Snyder
Diane was a friend, a champion of our community and someone who genuinely cared about the people and the stories. She supported the Porsche Owners Group and was instrumental in growing the group. She was impactful to bring to life an idea to combine our passion for cars with a mission to help find a cure for pediatric cancer. Now in its ninth year, the Porsche & Friends Parade to Golisano Children’s Hospital would not be what it is today without Diane’s early belief in the vision. I still remember sharing tears of hope and joy during our first event. Beyond all of this, our families were connected in a very personal way. Diane’s daughter, Sam, and our daughter, Gina, have been close friends since preschool and in 2025, each had their first child, both baby girls within months of each other. Diane will be deeply missed, but her impact on our community, our families, and the causes she believed in will live on. Valerie and JP Petracco, Porsche Owners Group Contributor
On behalf of everyone in Gulf Harbour who knew Diane, we extend our deepest sympathy to the entire DeVito/Arends/Alaimo families.