Phyllis Diane Garard

Phyllis Diane Garard, born on April 6, 1933, in Los Angeles, California, passed away peacefully on October 9 2024, in Reseda, California, surrounded by her loving family. Diane was a wonderful woman whose life was marked by love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Diane dedicated her early years to being a stay-home mom to her beloved daughters, Janice and Jill. Later, in her career, she took pride in her role as a manager at Foster's Freeze before transitioning into the hospitality industry, where she thrived as a waitress at Leon's Steakhouse and Twain's Coffee Shop for many years. Her passion for this profession was evident in her stories of famous customers, including a treasured encounter with Mrs. Joseph Barbera, who graciously gifted her an original autographed Hanna-Barbera cel.

Educated at St. Elizabeth's for elementary and middle school, Diane went on to graduate from Van Nuys High School. Having a thirst for adventure, she took every opportunity to learn about the world through travel. Diane embarked on many cruises with her friends and family, revisiting beloved destinations, including Italy and Alaska. She shared the joy of travel with her daughters, taking them to Italy and Spain. A memory that Janice and Jill will treasure forever.

Christmas held a special place in Diane's heart. She was famous for her homemade rigatonis and delicious pies, and she played a pivotal role as the beloved 'Bad Santa Claus' at the family’s annual Christmas party. Her laughter and sense of humor filled every gathering. You would not be surprised to encounter her dancing on a table with a rose between her teeth.

Diane met her husband, Richard Garard, at a Halloween party. They wed in 1955 and were married for 30 years. Diane served by his side in the Elk's Lodge for many years, including when he served as Exalted Ruler.

Diane’s legacy is carried on by her daughters, Janice Smith and Jill Thomas, along with their husbands, Brian Smith and Malcolm Thomas, respectively, her grandchildren: Brianne Kilmartin and her husband Will, Amy Smith, LaToya Granados and her husband Andres, Alexys Romo and her husband Erik, Chelsea Thomas, Keith Thomas and his wife Rebecca, and Mason Thomas, as well as six great-grandchildren: Tanner, Juliana, Maya, Rey, Maximo, and Isidora.

The warmth of Phyllis Diane Garard's spirit will continue to illuminate the hearts of her family and friends, serving as an everlasting reminder of the love that binds them. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Services will be held at St. Charles Borrromeo Catholic Church in North Hollywood on Monday December 2nd at noon, followed by the interment at San Fernando Mission Catholic Cemetery at 1:30pm. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org