Diana Preston Gonzalez passed away peacefully on September 6, 2026, in Newport, Rhode Island, surrounded by her family. A woman of spirit, wit, and devotion to her family, Diana lived a life defined by enduring grace and an adventurous spirit.

Born in La Jolla, California, to Ord and Midge Preston, Diana grew up with sand between her toes, spending her days at the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club with her sisters, Carolyn and Sarah. She attended Bishops School in La Jolla, Mt. Vernon Seminary in DC, and the University of Madrid in Spain.

In 1969 she was introduced to Peter Gonzalez who was captivated by her warmth, kindness, modesty, and grace and told her "I think I am going to marry you." They married a year later and Diana traded California shores for a life in New York City. It was here that she found her greatest joy in motherhood with her children Peter and Brooke, for whom she even set up a jungle gym in the living room of their Park Avenue apartment.

Always eager to meet new people or join the next adventure, Diana had a deep appreciation for travel and the arts. She spent many years reviewing movies as a member of the National Board of Review. Over the years she also was an active member of several clubs including Spouting Rock and the Palm Beach Bath and Tennis Club. Her adventurous spirit took her around the globe as she and Peter traveled extensively, exploring all seven continents.

In 1997, the family suffered the unimaginable loss of Brooke in a car accident. Diana navigated this profound grief with incredible quiet strength, ensuring Brooke's bright spirit stayed with them.

She treasured her role as a grandmother to Teddy and Brooke. Echoing the days of the living room jungle gym, 'Didi' would get right down on the floor and play at their level, even crawling into the kids' playhouse just as she did 30 years earlier.

For the last several decades, Diana and Peter split their time between Palm Beach and Newport. She spent her final weeks in Newport surrounded by family, enjoying dinners on the deck, playing games, and receiving visits from a lifetime of friends and family.

Diana is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, Peter; her son, Peter, Jr., and his wife, Scrip; her grandchildren, Teddy and Brooke; and her sisters, Carolyn and Sarah.

A service will be forthcoming in Palm Beach, Florida. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to The Parkinson's Foundation.