Diane Laurlee Greenspan

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Diane Laurlee Greenspan, age 87, on Sept. 9, 2026 at home in Quincy, CA surrounded by her family. She was born on Dec. 4, 1938, in Oakland, CA, a daughter of the late Dorothy and Raymond Lambert, and raised by her late grandparents, Ruth and Howard Leese. She lived a life marked by compassion, strength, and deep devotion to her family.

Diane attended Lincoln Elementary and Castlemont High school where she was a proud member of the water ballet team. While living in the bay area Diane was married to the late Phil Walsh, and then the late Frank Marlbrough. During that time she loved to go Abalone diving at Salt Point. In 1974 Diane left the bay area and moved to Quincy, CA with her four young children, where she would meet her husband Jack Greenspan, build an off the grid dream home in the Plumas National Forest, and settle down for the remainder of her life.

Diane had a love for children and studied child development, receiving a degree from Feather River College. She continued in the field working in childcare for apx. 30 years until she retired. Diane also had a love for houseplants and gardening, which she enjoyed spending a good portion of her time caring for them. She had a passion for music and loved attending music festivals, dancing, and playing her drums. She especially loved the music of Coldplay in her final years. Diane also enjoyed watching football and hockey, especially the Raiders, 49ers, and Sharks teams. She was also a supporter of the Audubon Society, National Wildlife Federation, and Doctors Without Borders.

Diane fought with health issues the last years of her life. After being diagnosed with a rare aggressive T-cell Lymphoma blood cancer, Diane fought with unwavering courage, never loosing her spark for living or believing she could still do anything.

Diane is survived by her husband of 41 years, Jack Greenspan, and was the proud and loving mother of 5 children – Mark Walsh, Linda Martin, Francine Mitchell, Bonnie Marlbrough, and Ashley Greenspan whom she lived her life for. Diane had one sibling, a younger brother, Richard Lambert.

She was also a cherished grandmother to ten wonderful grandchildren – The late Jeffery, Jeremy, Travis, Kaylie, Hannah, Roseabella, Jada, Azurene, Jedidiah, and Paisley; as well as five great grandchildren – Jennessa, Alistair, Sayde, Ella Rose, & Zane all of whom she loved deeply.

Diane touched the lives of everyone who had the honor of knowing her. Her selflessness, warmth, energy, and free spirit will be remembered forever. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and compassion that lives in all of us.

At the family’s request there will be no formal funeral service at this time. A small celebration of life will be announced in the coming weeks when the family is ready.