Diane Lynn Nelson

In the early hours of July 31, 2023, Diane Lynn Nelson unexpectedly, but peacefully, passed away. She was 67 years young.

Diane was born to Eva and Walter Gourlie on November 7, 1955 in Bremerton, WA. She was raised in Port Orchard, along with her older sister, Melode Sapp. Diane graduated from South Kitsap High School and went on to marry Leslie Sawdye with whom she had five children, Jason Sawdye, Kelly Swendt, Lorie Washburn, Rebecca Bridgman and Angela Sawdye. Diane was born to be a mom and lived her life for her family. She was a grandmother as well to seven grandchildren, Madeline (21), Landon (12), Eva (9), Elsie (8), Freya (5), Walter (4), and Alora (1). She was known to them as Grandma ‘D’.

Diane was forever proud of her children and grandchildren, loving them greater than she ever imaged possible, and lived so many moments with them, which brought such joy to her heart and a smile to her face.

Diane eventually made her way from Port Orchard to Skagit County where she met and fell in love with her late husband, Scott Nelson. They then moved to Whatcom County. She and Scott married on July 31, 2001 and remained very much in love until his passing in December 2010. For her, he could never be replaced and she continued loving him every day thereafter.

Diane had a passion for reading and music. You could find her with a long list of books she planned to read, or written lyrics to a song that touched her heart. She loved long drives to places well-known but also new adventures whether to find the next great camping spot, or the best fish and chips. Movies with her grandkids or hanging around a campfire with her children earned top spots on her list of favorite activities.

Diane was a strong-willed and stubborn woman at times, but she had a heart of gold and her soul shined so brightly. She was generous, loyal, accepting, kind, funny, smart, and above all, loving. She carried strength and dignity in all the good and hard days of her life.

Diane’s spirit has lifted into the heavens, reuniting with her person, Scott, as well as her mother and father. She has now become an angel, just as she believed her mother had, like Mother like Daughter.

Diane will be cremated and returned to the Earth to be alongside her mother and father at Sunset Lane in Port Orchard, as well as spread into a special creek in the Methow Valley, just as she had done with Scott. A celebration of life will occur with details to be determined.

To leave you with this last thought, a motto to live by, per Diane:

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid sideways, chocolate in one hand, and a drink in the other…. body thoroughly used up and totally worn out and screaming “WOO HOO, WHAT A RIDE!”