J. Diane Drulis, 57

PERRYVILLE, Md. - J. Diane Drulis, of Perryville, passed away Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008, after a valiant two year battle with lung cancer. She was 57. She was a graduate of St. Hedwig's High School and the University of Delaware. While there, she worked as an administrative assistant to Dr. James O'Neill and was instrumental in the initial establishment of the Center for Economic Education. Diane was passionate about arts education and the performing arts. She was proud to be a faculty member and department head at Marion Tracy Dance Studio and Central Delaware Dance Academy, where she taught ballet and tap for over 15 years. She was the Director and Founder of the performing ensembles Marionettes and Center Stage. Diane choreographed for numerous community theatres, including, but not limited to, Don Del Enterprises and Community Singers. After she moved to Maryland, she continued teaching dance at the Cecil Dancenter. She loved bartending at the Sheraton Hotel in Dover and the VFW Post 475 in Newark. It seemed that no matter what she was doing, she always wanted to be around people. She was a great listener and a wonderful communicator. Diane also got involved with soccer in the Dover community. She spent many years coaching her children's teams and attained her license as a FIFA-certified referee. In addition, she played on several indoor recreational teams. Diane was never one to sit still for very long. She often could be found supporting her family at softball games, soccer games or theater productions. In addition to frequent biking, she enjoyed boating on the Susquehanna (as the "first mate" to Mike's "captain.") When she wasn't on or near the water, Diane always seemed to have a camera in her hand; she loved to take pictures. She also cherished quiet time in the garden, working on her green thumb. On top of that, last summer she went skydiving and was ready to go again. She has impacted so many lives. Over the years, she coached and instructed hundreds of people, molding so many children's and young adults' lives. On many occasions, she opened her doors to friends, new and old, to host and entertain, especially around the holidays. She had boundless energy and exemplified the adage that "age is just a state of mind." Diane's love for others and love for her country was enormous; her compassion and patriotism made the world a better place. Diane is survived by her loving husband of 37 years, Michael J. Drulis Sr.; a son, Captain Michael J. Drulis Jr. of Bethesda; a daughter, Autumn D. Schneider and her husband John W. Schneider Jr. of Lewes, Del.; her mother, Theresa R. Okonowicz of Las Vegas, Nev.; and grandchildren, Dru Otto and Natalie Diane Schneider. Friends may gather from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday in the Pippin Funeral Home, 119 W. Camden-Wyoming Ave., Wyoming, where a time for sharing and remembrance will begin at 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Holy Cross Catholic, 631 S. State St., Dover. Burial will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Camden. In lieu of flowers, Diane asked that contributions be made either to the VFW Post 475 Honor Guard, 100 Veterans Dr., Newark, DE 19711 or to the Central Delaware Dance Academy Scholarship Fund, 97 Commerce Way, Suite 102, Dover, DE 19904. Condolences may be sent via www.pippinfuneralhome.com.