Diane Kivak

Sometimes the end of life doesn't bring just sadness. Sometimes circumstances lead to feelings that were and always will be more complicated than only that. In those times it is best to try to remember, cherish, and learn from any positivity that came from that life.

Diane Kivak, born February 22, 1962, to father and mother Stanley and Romaine Gaik, was a complicated yet incredible person.  She passed away on June 27th, 2026, at the age of 64. She had many qualities and personalities, some of which are better off to not be remembered. However, she had some that were so strong it helped to shape her and allow her to strive at times.

Love. Her love was so powerful at times it could be felt for miles. Love for children. Love for animals. Love for friends. She would do almost anything for most children and showed kindness to all animals, pets and wild creatures alike. She would help even the smallest baby bunny at the drop of a hat.

Passion.  Her passion and drive to execute them we're something out of this world. For a very long time she would drive to Francis Slocum State Park at the crack of dawn, fish all day, then process her catches once she returned home long after dark. Her passion for art was unmatched. Even after losing her dominant hand and most of her left fingers, she still drew the most beautiful pictures of anything her mind could conjure.  She was a true artist.

Resilience.  Together with love and passion, her resilience never wavered. With a broken body and missing body parts, she still insisted on gardening.  Still wanted to draw and create.  Still went far beyond her physical capabilities and limitations set on her to do what she wanted to do.  She surprised everyone with her resilience and will to thrive.

That is how she should be remembered by surviving family and friends. It is also how everyone can learn from her life, not mourn it.  Keep love in your heart, passion in your mind and remain resilient to anything standing in your way of accomplishing what you want to. Rest in peace Diane. You did the best you could.

In addition to her father, Stanley, Diane was preceded in death by her companion, Walter Ainsworth Jr., and her uncle, Raymond Plis.

Diane is survived by her mother Romaine Gaik she cared for Diane in her final days, her sister, Judy Kamiski of Roaring Brook Twp.; her brother, John Gaik, and his wife, Christine, of Gouldsboro; her stepdaughter, Erin Ainsworth Pollock and her husband Chris; and nephews Johathon and Theodore Kaminski along with nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Diane’s family is deeply grateful to Linda Turpack; Linda and Kenny MacLeoud; Pastor Doug and Laura Lea Littleton; and the congregation of Springbrook Congregational Church for their kindness, prayers, and support.

Memorial contributions may be made to Funds for Furry Friends P.O. Box 274 Plymouth, PA  18651 or to Mutts & More Consignment Store and Grooming 600 E. Main St. Larksville, PA  18651.

A memorial Service for Diane will be held on Saturday July 11, 2026, at 2:00pm at the Springbrook Congregational Church, 213 Beech Road Springbrook Twp. PA 18444.

Arrangements are entrusted to Kiesinger Funeral Services Inc., 255 McAlpine St., Duryea, PA 18642.

#Kivak