Diane M. Wardrup
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Diane M. Wardrup

  • April 23, 1941 - June 24, 2011
  • Richardson, Texas
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Memories & Candles

“JIM, I JUST LEARNED OF DIANE'S PASSING. SO SAD FOR YOU AND ALL OF US. WHAT A LOT OF HAPPY MEMORIES OF HER. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. ”
1 of 21 | Posted by: LINDA MERSCH - GARLAND, TX

“Jim, We're friends of Jerry & Beckys and have seen you periodically over the last several years. Please know that we have and will continue to...Read More » ”
2 of 21 | Posted by: Pam Cantu' - Plano, TX

“JIm and I had not known Diane for very long, but it was so apparent that she was a really good person who cared about people. We will always value...Read More » ”
3 of 21 | Posted by: Katherine and Jim Harvey - Howe, TX

“I cannot imagine this world without Diane nor my life without her. We have been best friends for 34 years. She did so many things for me that it was...Read More » ”
4 of 21 | Posted by: Cynthia J. Strelau - Bedford, TX

“Your beautiful smile, strength, wise words, & great humor will be greatly missed. We will meet again Aunt Di. All our love & prayers to Jim & the...Read More » ”
5 of 21 | Posted by: Johnny, Tami, Jessie, & Hallie Newport - TX

“I hope I, too, will be able to say "What a ride!" when my time ends. Diane was indeed a "good one", and an inspiration. My thoughts and prayers are...Read More » ”
6 of 21 | Posted by: Donna Shepherd - Richardson, TX

“Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out to the Waldrip family and friends. While only having met and spoken with Diane on a couple of...Read More » ”
7 of 21 | Posted by: Eric and Teresa Hagemeister - TX

“Diane was the most positive and upbeat person I have ever known. She maintained her enthusiastic spirit and sweet disposition regardless of the...Read More » ”
8 of 21 | Posted by: Dr. Greg Foster - Plano, TX

“Mom- I have so much to say to you. But You already know,and I know you know, you always did, before we even knew it! I loved you always and I will...Read More » ”
9 of 21 | Posted by: Kimberly Kay (Wardrup) Stevens - TX

“We have never had a friend like Diane. Every birthday, anniversary or special holiday, we always got these wonderful cards from her and it always...Read More » ”
10 of 21 | Posted by: Neal and Mary Jane Young - Dallas, TX

“We have and will continue to life the family in our prayers ”
11 of 21 | Posted by: Robert & Paula O'Nale/Gladys Blackmon - TX

“Our Love and prayers we send to you, may God give you the strength you need at this time. We love you Jim. Robert and Mary Wardrup ”
12 of 21 | Posted by: Mary Wardrup - Fruitvale, TX

“My life was better because Diane made me part of hers and I'll remember, fondly, the delightful conversations over more than 30 years. She'll be...Read More » ”
13 of 21 | Posted by: Terry Daly - TX

“Your legend of honor, compassion, love, and loyalty to your family, friends, and community will be forever remembered and without doubt live on as...Read More » ”
14 of 21 | Posted by: Chad C. Wardrup - Arlington, TX

“The world is a better place today because Diane was here, all our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless. the Hogans ”
15 of 21 | Posted by: Rota and Joe Hogan and Family - TX

“I have been blessed to have know Diane for many years. We met each other while working on different committees within the chamber and became friends...Read More » ”
16 of 21 | Posted by: Kelly Bowman - Richardson , TX

“All our love and prayers for you Jium, Warren, and family. God bless and we thank him for the previlege of being friends with Diane. ”
17 of 21 | Posted by: Rita and Joe Hogan and Family - TX

“Deepest sympathies and love Uncle Jim & Warren. I will miss you Aunt Di but you will always be with us in our memories. ”
18 of 21 | Posted by: Mark Newport - Euless, TX

“As you pass through life, you cross paths with many people. But there are only a handful that turn out to be truly special and make a significant...Read More » ”
19 of 21 | Posted by: Mike Doll - Atlanta, GA - Friend

“Diane and I worked together on many volunteer projects including the hospital, the Richardson Chamber and the RSO. Over the years, she has been my...Read More » ”
20 of 21 | Posted by: Mary Bedosky - Richardson, TX

“I love you and will miss you so very much. I wish Maggie D had had more time to get to know her great aunt. My sympathies to Uncle Jim and the rest...Read More » ”
21 of 21 | Posted by: Shellie Roach - Canton, TX


WARDRUP, DIANE M. Born April 23, 1941 in Buffalo, New York to Sam and Wally Levitsky went to be with the Lord on June 24, 2011. She is survived by her husband of 38 years Jim, her son Warren Wardrup and daughter in law Jennifer Wardrup, son Jim Wardrup, daughter Kim Stevens, grandchildren, Jeremy and Jarret Gandy and soon to be granddaughter Tessa Marie Wardrup, her step- mother Pearlie Lang of Ohio several nieces and nephews and a step brother Charles Bainbridge and his wife Carol of New Jersey. Diane is preceded in death by her parents Sam and Wally Levitsky, Step Father Elmer Lang, step mother Marie Levitsky and Brother Mike Levitsky. Diane attended the University of Buffalo and held executive positions at several high tech firms including Northern Telecom. In 1983 she founded her own highly successful executive search firm Wardrup Associates, where she continued to work until her death.

As a 35 year resident of the City of Richardson, Diane made a lifelong commitment to her community through volunteer / service work and was an active leader in many organizations. She served as past President and current member of the Methodist Richardson Medical Center Foundation Board. She was President on the Board for Neighborhood Youth and Family Counseling, served as a past President and current member of the Richardson Rotary Club, was Vice Chair – Programs on the Richardson Independent School District Excellence in Education Board. Vice Chair - Richardson Arts Alliance Board and past Director of the Richardson Youth Leadership program. Diane was also a member of the Richardson Symphony Board and the Richardson Woman’s Club. She also served on the Women in Leadership steering committee.

In addition Diane had a huge passion for friendships and golf. She shared this passion by chairing the Richardson Chamber Golf Tournament for the past 12 years.

She has been recognized as the LRAA Outstanding Alumnus, Richardson Chamber Volunteer of the Year, Richardson Chamber Committee of the Year,
Businesswoman of the Year by the NRCC Business Advisory Council.

Diane was always a loving friend, a caring mother and a devoted wife. Her many friends describe her as being one of the most thoughtful and caring people they have ever encountered and consider it a privilege to have known her.

Throughout her life Diane was recognized for her many achievements in business and community service, however her greatest achievements were her Love, Loyalty and Commitments to her husband and best friend Jim.

The following was one of Diane’s favorite thoughts on life. We are comforted to know that she truly lived this way.

Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and proclaiming, “ WOW…. WHAT A RIDE “