Beeson, Diana Elizabeth

Diana Elizabeth Beeson, 57, formerly of Swisher, died Feb. 11, 2011, in her home, with her husband and two sons at her side, after a courageous struggle with cancer. A celebration of life event will be held at the University Athletic Club, 1360 Melrose Ave., Iowa City, on Saturday, March 5, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Diana Elizabeth Poister was born Aug. 14, 1953, in Evanston, Ill., to John and Barbara (Riepe) Poister. As a child, she moved with her family to Sewickley, Pa. She received her high school diploma from Sewickley Academy in 1971. She attended Ithaca College and the University of Missouri-Columbia, receiving a Bachelor of Journalism degree in 1976. She received a master's degree in Mass Communications from the University of Iowa in 1988 and a Ph.D. in Mass Communications from the University of Iowa in 2004.

She married Phil Beeson on June 24, 1978. They had two sons, Jack and Ben, and lived in Cedar Rapids before moving to Swisher in 1984. During her time in Iowa, Diana worked for KCRG-TV, Mount Mercy College, the Grant Wood AEA, the University of Iowa Alumni Association, Kirkwood Community College, and the University of Iowa, where she served as the program director of University of Iowa Television (UITV) from 1983 until 2000, as well as an instructor of Journalism.

She married Michael Real on Jan. 17, 2004. They lived in Athens, Ohio, where they were employed with Ohio University. They later moved to British Columbia, where they both worked for Royal Roads University in Victoria.

Diana loved reading (especially mystery novels), traveling, Hawkeye football, and New York Times crossword puzzles. She was a gourmet cook with epicurean taste and a fascinating conversationalist with a story for every occasion. In addition to being an avid equestrian and a lover of all animals, she was a volunteer for Miracles in Motion for many years. She studied French, German, and Chinese and encouraged her children to be open to people of all cultures and backgrounds.

Diana was diagnosed with cancer in 2006 and dealt with it with courage, beauty, and strength. She left an amazing example for her loved ones that will never be forgotten.

She is survived by her husband, Michael Real; sons, Jack and Ben Beeson; father, John Poister; brothers, John and Geoff Poister; niece, Julie Wieder; nephews, Sean and Leon Poister; cousins, John, Bill, Cynthia, Steve and Tom Suter; as well as many colleagues and friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Riepe Donner; and her aunt, Jeanne Riepe Ervin.

The family wishes to thank the health care system of Canada for providing extraordinary universal health care to its citizens and residents.

Diana has directed that a portion of her estate go to the British Columbia Cancer Society and the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Diana was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.