Diane Coler-Dark

Diane Coler-Dark was born at Highland Hospital to Thelma Gene Coulter and Adele Broughton, in Oakland, CA on October 19, 1937. Diane grew up and resided in Alameda, CA until the day of her passing on May 3, 2021. She died peacefully in her home with family present at the age of 83.

A true Bay Area Native, Diane was an unstoppable driving force and dedicated her life to the betterment of her community. Her family would say her greatest ongoing achievement was initiating the concept and organizing the Park Street Art and Wine Faire established in 1985. For 7 strong years she brought community together with art and culture while also cultivating growth for local business owners. For this she was awarded Alameda Woman of the Year by the Alameda Business and Professional Women Association in 1992.

Diane’s dedication to service started in 1965 where she helped her parents work with the Carousal Campers Group funding committee for Cerebral Palsy. In her young years, she was a member of the League of Women Voters, The Girls Club, Park Street Business Association, G.A.B.A and W.A.B.A. Diane was also a proud business owner much like her parents before her. She partnered in the ownership of Johnny’s Gym (Alameda Athletic Club) from 1956-68. In ‘68, Diane branched off and opened her own gym, Diane’s Figure Salon, where she proudly supported women’s health and fitness. The importance of women’s independence, personal growth, and physical health was something she took great pride in.

In 1968, Diane joined the Chamber of Commerce where she served the community for over 2 decades. She sat as Park Street Business Association President in 1987-88 and was instrumental in establishing the Business Improvement District in 1989. From 1989-90, Diane ran the Mayor’s Thanksgiving for the Homeless Fund, became a strategic planning process member, held publicity chair for the 4th of July Parade Committee, and was on the board for Business and Professional Women. Diane was also active with the Navy League, Missouri Committee and the Military Affairs Committee and was President of the Alameda Museum for nearly a decade.

In 1990, Diane joined the Economic Development Commission to focus on business and waterfront improvement which led her into several decades of success in real estate. Diane expressed that the E.D.C. was the most exciting project she had the opportunity to work on. Her years of dedication to the improvement and support of the business community has left a marker here in Alameda. When people describe Diane, they say she was tenacious, fiercely independent and never spoke from a place of fear. She was often described as a “true feminist” and a member of “the Boy’s Club.” She applauded herself in her ability to thrive in a male dominated environment and was relentless in her pursuit for women's rights and advocacy. We will all miss her dry wit and sense of humor as well as her unfiltered commentary.

Diane was always busy with business but was proud of her daughter, Kimberly Meredith (deceased) and considered herself very lucky to have the truest love and companionship of her partner of many decades, Harry Kintzer Sr (deceased). She is survived by her two loving grandchildren, Mikaela Meredith (Alameda) and Rowan Meredith (Colorado); her loving and supportive cousins Donna, Phil and Jeannine Gravem (Alameda); Eric Gravem (Sacramento); Susan Sperry, Cristina Polk, Serina Culleton, Theresa Marable (Moraga).

Later in life she was in the loving care of Martha, Kim, and Heirut of Home Care Assistance of the Bay Area as well as her Granddaughter Mikaela and Cousin Jeannine.

Diane wanted her Celebration of Life to be with close family, she didn’t want to “make a big fuss.” In lieu of flowers, Diane asks that you donate to the Alameda Historical Museum or a local women-owned establishment.

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