Diana Lynn Yates

Diana Lynn Yates, 82, of Bowie, Md. died Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at Doctors Community Hospital in Lanham. Diana grew up in Lewisdale, Md. and attended college at the University of Maryland, where she studied English Literature. She married her husband, Jerry Yates, in 1965 and together they raised two sons, Sean and Erin, and a small army of beloved cats and dogs. She worked for the National Geographic Society as a paper purchasing manager until retiring after nearly three decades. Diana was a cancer survivor, and showed great courage and determination during her recovery. Always eager to push herself with new challenges, she completed the Marine Corps Marathon in 1991, and after retiring from National Geographic, completed her ACE Certification for fitness instruction. Diana had a creative spirit, expressing herself through her guitar when she was younger, then then later in life, with her paintbrush. She loved gardening, taking tight turns in her Mini Cooper, and spending time with her family and friends. She was born Dec. 28, 1943, at Sibley Hospital in Washington, D.C., the daughter of the late Doris (Gleaton) and James L. Foy. She was preceded in death by her sister Gail (Woody) Hayes and brother Barry Foy.

She is survived by her husband: Gerald E. Yates of Bowie, Md.; one sister: Janet (Barry) Foy of Ocala, Fla.; two sons: Sean (Rebecca Hoven) Yates of Portland, Ore. and Erin James Yates of Laurel, Md.

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