Obituary of Dianne Symansky

Dianne Wiley Symansky, 81 died at home peacefully on February 19th after a long illness. Born November 1938 in Albany, to Ann and David Wiley, she attended Cornell University and graduated from Cornell Nursing School, New York City in 1960. She also had a masters of nursing from Russell Sage College. Dianne lived most of her life in the Albany area and worked at St. Peters Hospital, she spent most of her career at the Albany Medical Center until retiring in 2002. She was most proud of the work she did on the maternity and AIDS/infectious disease floors. Dianne was a member of Abigail Society, The League of Women Voters, Damien Center of Albany, Vanguard-Albany Symphony and was a member of Temple Beth Emeth where she was married and confirmed. Dianne will be especially remembered for her tireless dedication and desire to help others and her love of dogs and babies. Her love of reading led her to volunteering at many local elementary schools and libraries. She was an amazing friend, mother, grandmother and aunt to her many friends, grandson, nieces and nephews. She loved the opera, theatre, ballet and spent the last 30 years with her friends known as the “ladies of Summer” enjoying the arts in the capital region. Survivors include Ronald (Roger) Albany, Devorah (Ben) California, her sister Donna (Marty)California, niece Amy (Adnan), nephew Daniel, her grandson Dillon and her grand-nieces Zarmina Rose and Ayana Pearl. She maintained a very close relationship with her former in-laws Harvey and Pearl Symansky, brother-in-law Richard (Theresa) Symansky, nieces Katie and nephew David. Dianne was preceded in death by her mother Ann Melnick Wiley and father E. David Wiley. Services will be held graveside at 11 AM, February 23rd, at Workmen’s Circle Cemetery. Burial interment will be at 1626 Western Ave., Albany, New York. Relatives and friends are welcome. Memorial contributions can be made in her name at The Albany League of Women Voters and Planned Parenthood. Thanks to the staff at DCI Dialysis @ Washington Ave Ext., Albany County Hospice and special thanks to the many nurses at Albany Medical Center who took such wonderful care of Dianne.