Diana Barbara Haynes

Celebrating the Life of Diana Barbara Haynes

Surrounded by love, Diana Barbara Haynes passed away peacefully on September 16, 2025, at her home in Carson, California, at the age of 79. She was lovingly cared for by her family and caregivers in her final days.

Diana was cherished as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and a respected member of her community in the South Bay and abroad. Born on December 29, 1946, in Georgetown, Guyana, she embodied vitality, light, and resilience throughout her life.

Her radiant spirit captured the heart of a young Trinidadian, Claudius Haynes. At the age of 22, they journeyed to Canada, where they married and began building a beautiful life together. After welcoming three children and enduring many icy winters, they moved to California to begin their next chapter. They eventually settled in Torrance, where they raised their family, established their careers, and cultivated a warm and close-knit community.

Diana is survived by her husband of more than 50 years, Claudius, who was rarely far from her side. She leaves behind her children: Brian and his wife Sara; Nicole and her daughter Sydney; and Martin and his wife Shari, along with their son, Cassius. She is also survived by her siblings Jeanette, Jeffrey, Jocelyn and Oliver along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Muriel and Basil Nunes, her brother Morris, and several beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

Known for her kind soul, infectious laugh, and inclusive spirit, Diana made everyone she encountered feel like family. She took joy in sharing her Caribbean heritage through food, music, and her love of sports. A devout Catholic, she generously supported Catholic education, especially Nativity Catholic School and Bishop Montgomery High School.

Beyond her professional life, Diana embraced every moment with passion. She delighted in traveling, cooking, reading, and dancing, but her greatest joy was her family. She was a constant presence on the sidelines, cheering her children on, and her voice carried with pride whenever her favorite sports teams played or her beloved ‘adopted’ Trinidad soccer team took the field. Believing deeply in the power of sports to uplift and transform, she led the Islanders Soccer Club and, alongside Claudius, co-founded the Quicksilver Track Club. Through this work, she left an enduring legacy, opening doors for countless young athletes to dream bigger, work harder, and achieve their fullest potential.

Sports were a lifelong passion for Diana. She could often be found on the sidelines cheering on her children or proudly rooting for her favorite teams, especially her “adopted” Trinidad soccer team. She managed the Islanders Soccer Club and, alongside Claudius, co-founded the Quicksilver Track Club, creating lasting opportunities for young athletes to thrive.

Diana’s professional life reflected her strong work ethic and adventurous spirit. In the 1980s, she worked in Data Processing at Western Airlines, which afforded her the opportunity to travel widely. In the 1990s, she served as a Legal Secretary, and later found her true calling with the Torrance Unified School District. For more than 20 years, she supported the Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program, helping countless students realize their potential. She balanced her roles as mother, professional, and community leader with grace, energy, and determination.

Diana will be remembered for her boundless generosity, her unwavering support of family and friends, and the resilience with which she uplifted those around her. Her legacy lives on in the family she adored and the community she helped shape.

A funeral service to honor Diana’s life will be held on October 2, 2025, at Nativity Catholic Church, 1447 Engracia Ave, Torrance, CA 90501.

Flowers can be sent to The Mortuary at Green Hills on Wednesday , 10/1 or donations can be made in her memory to Nativity Catholic School or Bishop Montgomery High School.