Diane Elizabeth Emfinger

Diane Emfinger, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher and friend, passed peacefully in her sleep on October 15, 2025, at the age of 81.

Born in San Francisco on January 3, 1944, Diane was the daughter of James and Laura Frisbie and the eldest sister to Bill Frisbie, Linda Decker, and Debbie Cary. Later, the family lovingly welcomed her stepmother, Ethel Frisbie, and stepsister, Bonny McKnight, into their lives.

Diane married her high school sweetheart, Terry Emfinger, and together they shared 61 wonderful years of marriage. She was a devoted mother to Brad (58) and Shelby (52), and the proud "Mimi" to her cherished grandchildren, Gabriel and Grace Emfinger, who brought her immense joy.

Additionally, Diane is survived by
- Her brother, William (Bill) Frisbie and his family, Karen Frisbie, Laura (Frisbie), Ken and Jackson Kirby, Matthew and Diep Frisbie
- Her middle sista, Linda (Frisbie) Decker and her family Kenneth Decker, Jaime (Decker) and Penelope Koch, Jeffery Decker
- Her "baby" sister, Debra (Frisbie) Carey and her family, Steve Carey, Scott, Mauve and Indy Carey, Katie Carey.
- Step-Sister, Bonny Reitz McKnight

As a lifelong educator, Diane dedicated her career to teaching first and second graders at Bracher and Sutter Elementary Schools in Santa Clara. Her warmth, patience, and creativity touched the lives of countless students and families. She also built a strong community of friends and colleagues, most memorably as a founding member of the TWITS — "Twelve Women in Teaching Situations." The group shared decades of laughter, support, and memorable gatherings at the family's Los Gatos home, often joined by their good-humored spouses, affectionately known as the HOTs ("Husbands of TWITS").

Diane's kindness, humor, and generous spirit will be remembered always. She is now reunited with her parents, stepmother, and many beloved family and friends who passed before her.

Her family and friends will celebrate her life in the loving spirit with which she lived it — surrounded by stories, smiles, and the people she held dear. More details will be shared in the coming weeks.

In her remembrance, in lieu of flowers, we ask that any charitable donations be made to St.Jude's

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