Diane S. McAndrew

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Diane McAndrew, who died peacefully at home on February 13, 2025, leaving behind a beautiful legacy of love, joy, and selflessness.

Diane was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the second of five daughters to Ray and Helen Shahade. She attended Westmont Hilltop High School where her passion for music and theater began, shining on stage acting in numerous productions. Those early years sparked a lifelong love for music and theater that continued through college, into her teaching career, and throughout her adult life.

Diane attended St. Mary’s College in South Bend, Indiana, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Theater. After college, Diane moved to Washington, D.C. and worked as an English and Drama teacher at Frederick Douglass High School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. During this time, she met Air Force Captain Bill McAndrew, who would later become her husband and the love of her life. In July 1976, Diane and Bill were married at St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church in Johnstown, PA and Diane proudly embraced the title of a “bicentennial bride.” Diane and Bill then embarked on the next chapter of Bill’s military career, taking them to Wiesbaden, Germany, Redlands, CA and back to the D.C. area. In 1984, they moved from Arlington to Vienna, VA, and Vienna quickly became home for Diane and Bill and their three daughters.

Diane was a devoted, loving and nurturing wife and mother. She was a person with an abundance of love and support, not just to her immediate family and close relatives, but to her many friends, acquaintances and even strangers. Prior to retiring, Diane was a preschool teacher for the 2 and 3 year old classes – a true testament to her patience and dedication to others. She was a fervent volunteer for a myriad of charities, an active participant in her daughters’ school functions, and a 30-year member of the OLGC church choir.

One of Diane’s most cherished joys was her role as “Grammy” to her four grandchildren: Norah, Wills, Ella, and Lucy. She was an avid storybook reader, the lead singer of their children’s songs, and a constant source of warmth and joy in their lives.

Diane poured her heart into all that she did and her laughter and voice will remain with us forever.

Diane is survived by her immediate family of her loving and devoted husband, Bill, and her daughters: Alison McAndrew Primosch and husband, Eric; Meredith McAndrew; and Jennifer McAndrew Kane and husband, Jack. Her grandchildren: Norah, Wills, Ella and Lucy. Diane is also survived by her sisters: Nancy Cooper, Mary Ann Smego, Debbie Courtney, and Gail Cari, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family, whom she loved dearly.

A celebration of her life will be held on Thursday, March 6th at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Vienna, VA. A visitation will begin at 10:00am, followed by Mass at 11:00am, with a reception to follow. A burial will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Diane’s honor to Jill’s House. https://jillshouse.org/ provides support to families of children with intellectual disabilities, a cause close to the family’s heart.