Daryl A. Diekman

‘Her children were her greatest accomplishment’

Daryl Ann Diekman, Age 78, of Watertown, NY, passed away on April 18, 2026 at home after a prolonged battle with multiple myeloma.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Cleveland Funeral Home in Watertown, NY.

Daryl Ann Diekman was born on October 18, 1947 in Yonkers, New York (NY), to Patricia and Thomas Dunn. She grew up in Pound Ridge, NY, where her warm spirit and love of people were already evident from an early age. She would carry those qualities with her throughout every chapter of her life.  She was also blessed with close relationships with her many siblings, and extended family, that gave her strength during life’s challenges, including the untimely death of her father during her childhood.  

Daryl married the love of her life, Bernard Cleveland Diekman III — affectionately known as “Diek” — and they built a life together spanning 57 years. Their bond was marked by steadfast devotion to their two children Stacy and Shane, their immediate family, and their beloved grandchildren. They planted roots in North Salem, NY, during the formative years of raising their children, before eventually settling in Upstate New York to be near one of Daryl’s favorite places in the world: the St. Lawrence River.  Some of Daryl’s best times in life were spent at the family cottage with her loved ones.

Daryl was, above all else, a devoted mother. She always said her children were her greatest accomplishment, and she never missed an opportunity to tell anyone who would listen how proud she was of her kids (and grandchildren). She was a constant presence — always there whenever you needed her — and she helped raise her grandchildren with years of warmth, fun, and unwavering family devotion.

Daryl’s personality was one of a kind: sassy but sweet, quick-witted, and blessed with a great sense of humor. She possessed a “gift for the gab”, mostly liked rooted in her Irish heritage, and her many stories had a way of bringing people to tears of laughter. She loved an audience, and audiences always loved her back. There is no doubt that most people who have met her have a warm or funny stories to recount their interactions.

By trade, Daryl was a nurse — a calling that fit her naturally. Her proudest professional moment was earning the Bedside Nurse award, a recognition that reflected exactly who she was: someone whose care and compassion spilled into everything she did. She had a special gift for caring for children and the elderly, always making the vulnerable feel safe and loved. Many people have reached out over the years with memories of her care—at times of need-- that they never forgot.

Beyond her nursing career, Daryl was a gifted craftsman. She loved to crochet and create, and many people are lucky enough to hold onto something she made — cherished items that carry a piece of her warmth and creativity.

Daryl is survived by her devoted husband Diek; her daughter Stacy Uliano and son-in-law Dominic; her son Shane Diekman; her three grandchildren Dominic (Kaelin), Cooper, and Ethan; her siblings Eileen Morris, James (Kathy) Dunn, Michael (Luana) Dunn, Stephen (Cassie) Dunn, John (Andrea) Lee; Robert Lee, and Patricia (Michael) Lee; her sisters-in-law Leilah Schou and Diane (Kelley) Mitchell; and a cherished circle of nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

She is preceded in death by her mother and father; her step-father, Robert E. Lee; her in-laws Bernard Jr. and Leilah Diekman; her sister Kerry (Kevin) Dunn; her sister-in-law Renee Lee; a sister at birth, Maryann Dunn; and her nephew Micah Dunn.

Although her latter years were difficult, she fought with such tenacity to continue enjoying life and the people she loved.  Special thanks to Daryl’s immediate family: Diek, Stacy, Shane, Dominic, her grandkids and her sister Kerry as well as outside caregivers that  supported her through the many challenging years of illness.

A Celebration of Life in Daryl’s honor will occur at a later date. More information to follow. 

“She will be missed, but never forgotten.”

— Daryl Ann Diekman  ❖  October 18, 1947 – April 18, 2026

Online condolences can be made at www.clevelandfhinc.com.

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