Diana K. Bangert-Drowns

Albany, NY-Diana Bangert-Drowns died on Sunday, September 10, 2023 from complications of a rare blood disorder. Diana was born in Detroit, Michigan to Jerry and Grace Drowns in 1959. She grew up in nearby St. Clair Shores and studied global religions at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor then law at Wayne State University in Detroit. She married husband Bob Bangert-Drowns in 1983 and enjoyed extraordinarily close and treasured companionship for 40 years. Diana was renowned for her generosity, curiosity, optimism, intelligence, loyal friendships, unlimited love for family and devotion to her husband and sons, positive work ethic, and an extraordinary array of interests and talents in the arts. She was faithfully devoted to God and the communion of saints as she experienced them in the Catholic tradition. As a lawyer, Diana began her career working in a Free Legal Aid Clinic associated with Wayne State University, and subsequently worked in law firms in Ann Arbor and Albany, New York. She ultimately practiced independently in Albany specializing in family law. She was an active member of the Women's Bar Association and an advocate of collaborative law practice as an alternative to conventional courtroom conflict. As a musician, Diana studied classical piano and developed a performance venue—A Tempo—for non-major musicians at the University of Michigan. Her performance interests expanded to guitar, hammered dulcimer, and voice. She became deeply involved in liturgical and spiritual music in many Catholic venues. Her musical tastes were eclectic, including rock, folk, classical, chant, and jazz, with special affection for Neil Diamond, Andy Williams, Elton John, Chopin, Mompou, Brubeck, and Beethoven. As an artist, Diana endlessly explored—watercolor, acrylic, collage, origami, oil, clay, gel plate printing, mono printing, jewelry, and clothing design. She produced innumerable art cards and more developed paintings for charitable auctions. She also explored the culinary arts, much to the delight of family and friends. In short, Diana burst with creative energy and optimism, focusing her efforts in ways to bring aesthetic delight to others around her and offering practical, professional, and spiritual service wherever her talents and interests permitted. She is beloved by so many who have received the benefits of her active care, her empathetic listening, and her artist revelations. Diana is survived by husband Bob and sons Chris and Mike; by her Aunt Suzie and Uncle Hank and her Uncle Giovanni; by her siblings Tom and wife Rosemary, Anne and husband Dave, Ellen and husband Matt, and Laura and husband Ron; by her siblings-in-law John and wife Jill, Janet and husband Alan, Ellen and her husband Ed, Jean and her husband Rich; and Martin and his wife Erin. She is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins, and innumerable friends with whom she shared deep affection. To all she says God bless and keep singing! Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Diana’s family Friday, September 15, 2023 4:00pm to 7:00 pm at St. Vincent De Paul Church, 900 Madison Ave., Albany, NY 12208. Funeral services Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 10:00 am at St. Vincent De Paul Church, Albany, NY where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated. The Rite of Committal will be held in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands, NY immediately following the Mass. To leave a message for the family please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com In lieu of flowers, contributions could be made to the Bangert-Drowns Endowment for Diversity in Teaching & Educational Leadership at the University at Albany. Alternatively, donations could be made to our beloved St. Vincent de Paul Church in Albany, specifying either the Food Pantry (serving Albany’s hungry) or the De Marillac Fund (which supported Diana’s art retreats for the parish) in your check’s memo line.

Tributes

Diana K. Bangert-Drowns

March 2, 1959 - September 10, 2023