In Memoriam: Frances ‘Diane’ Bertoli

Longtime Healdsburg resident Frances “Diane” Bertoli — a local school secretary and wife of our former police chief — has passed away at age 87. Diane was reportedly born in British Columbia but moved here as a kid, graduating from Healdsburg High in 1954. More from her obituary: “Diane met her beloved husband, Louis Bertoli, while visiting the Healdsburg Police Department to pay a ticket and were married in 1957. They were married for 49 years before he passed in 2006. She worked in banking and also worked as a school secretary for many years at St. John’s Catholic School and Sonoma Country Day School. Her smile was infectious as she greeted parents and children and always made time to talk with the students.” In the comments on her obituary, one acquaintance remembers her as “a kind presence who had a good sense of humor (so necessary when dealing with young kids!).” Another says: “Healdsburg was a happy place thanks to folks like the Bertolis.” The storied couple leaves behind three kids, six grandkids and one great-grandkid. Locals can attend Diane’s funeral mass tomorrow afternoon at St. John’s Church on Matheson, as well as a reception afterward at the Alexander Valley Hall. (Source: Legacy.com & Legacy.com)