Diana (Rossen) Laird
Diana Rosson Laird, age 61, of Lawrence, Kansas died as a result of a tragic car accident on September 13, 2016.
Born December 18, 1954 in Houston, Texas to Melissa and Harold Rosson, Diana grew up in Lawrence and married Claude Laird in 1990. She attended Macalester College, earned a Bachelor's of Fine Arts at the University of Kansas and obtained a Master's degree at the Chicago Art Institute. She furthered her education at the University of Kansas, earning a teaching certificate. Diana worked for over two decades as a Paraprofessional and Teachers Aid in the Lawrence Unified School District. She was deeply committed to helping children with disabilities, with whom she was enormously popular. She worked mainly one-on-one, integrating these kids into regular classes with great creativity and success. This last year she authored a picture-book to help an autistic child be heard and recognized. She was loved by many and will be deeply missed.
"Not perfect is a lot more fun!" As a wife, mother, a daughter, a sister and an artist, Diana graced the lives of those around her with beauty and creativity; paintings that hang on the walls, sculptures in unexpected places, flowers arranged on the table, and dinners with family and friends that sparkled with her quirky and loving touch. We remember off-beat humor, a love of coffee, and many adventures hiking and camping in the Rocky Mountains and exploring Europe.
Diana is survived by her husband, Claude, daughter, Larissa, parents Harold and Melissa Rosson all of Lawrence and brothers Richard of Pacifica, CA, and Brian of Houston, TX and other members of her extended family. She leaves behind many friends.
In keeping with Diana's wishes, there will be no memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Arc of Douglas County, which provides services to individuals with autism and intellectual developmental disabilities. Checks should be made out to The Arc of Douglas County, 2518 Ridge Court, Suite 238, Lawrence, KS 66046. On-line donations may be made at http://www.thearcdcks.org via credit card. Please reference the "Diana Laird Memorial Fund" on the check memo line or click on "Add special instructions to the seller" after the payment page on the site. Published in Lawrence Journal-World on Sept. 17, 2016