Diana Joy Allard

Diana Joy Allard, age 54, passed away June 13, 2014 in Long Beach.
She is survived by her husband David A. Allard of Long Beach; parents, Charles E. Lewis and Joyce A. Lewis of Gulfport; siblings, John P. Lewis (Susan) of Gulfport and Darlene Cohen (Joby) of Louisiana; children, Candice Williams (DeCarlos) and Jonathon Nelson both of Gulfport; grandchildren, Giovonni Nelson, Brianna Williams, and Dont'e Williams all of Gulfport; and her nephew, Sean P. Lewis (Brittany).
Diana was born March 28, 1960 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She moved to the Gulf Coast with her family in 1978 where she began to fulfill her dreams. Diana attended Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College where she earned a Culinary Arts degree.
Between the years of 1983-1985, she gave birth to two beautiful children. In 2001, she married the love of her life David. From then on she enjoyed and lived some of the best days of her life. She began her career at the IP Casino shortly after Hurricane Katrina where she learned much and taught many and took on the name ""Chef"". Diana touched the lives of many people during this time and she made incredible friends that she considered family.
Diana battled a long hard road of stage 4 cancer. She fought like a warrior for almost two years and she outlived her life expectancy with her sheer determination and will power.
Before Diana became sick she enjoyed painting bird houses, working in her garden, and decorating she and David's home. She was very passionate about everything she did. Her favorite pass time was to teach her grandchildren, Giovonni and Brianna, her passion of cooking.
Diana was granted her ""angel's wings"" on June 13, 2014. Her final days were spent surrounded by family and friends. Diana lived a memorable life. While her life seems short to many those who were touched by her understood the quality of her existence far exceeded the length of time in which she lived. Her bright smile, kind ways, and loving heart brought so much joy to our family. She will be greatly missed.
Friends are invited to visit with the family on Thursday, June 19, 2014 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Rd., Gulfport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 20, 2014 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Woolmarket at 10:00 AM.