Diantha L. Naftali, 77, of Traverse City passed away peacefully on September 20, 2015 at Munson Hospice House.
DIantha was born and raised in White Plains, NY, the daughter of Earl and Constance Lundin. Upon graduating from the University of Michigan, she worked as part of the wait staff of Watervale Inn, a place which would become and remain deep within her heart and the heart of her family. Diantha became a permanently adopted Michigander when she married and became the mother of three children. She was a resident of Lansing, E. Lansing, Kalamazoo, St. Johns, and finally northwest-lower Michigan in 1992, where she lived in both Suttons Bay and Traverse City.
From the age of three, music played a major part in her life when she became part of a choir; began to study the piano at age five; and became an accompanist at age ten. While living downstate she earned certification to teach piano from the Michigan Music Teachers Association, and she taught students for more than 20 years.
Volunteering and being involved in both church and community were always a part of Diantha's life, a trait that she successfully passed on to her family, as well as the love of food and of hosting family, friends, and even strangers around her table. These things form her legacy. Once she settled into retirement, she again served as a church musician – this time at Suttons Bay Congregational Church where she also served for three terms as a deacon. She was the accompanist for Leelanau Children's Choir and Youth Ensemble for 17 years; a duo pianist with Liz Bannister of Traverse City; a Hospice Volunteer for many years; and member of P.E.O.
A memorial service will take place on Sunday, September 27, 2015 at 1:00 pm at the Suttons Bay Congregational Church. Visitation will be on Saturday, September 26, 2015 from 3 -5 and 7 -9 at Cedar Creek Senior Apartments, 12047 S. Elk Run, Traverse City. Because choral music was part of Diantha's life for 75 years, her family encourages those who knew her through choral groups, to join in the singing of two anthems by John Rutter: "The Lord is My Shepherd," and "The Lord Bless You and Keep You." Rehearsal promptly at 12 noon prior to the service. Copies of the music will be provided.
Diantha is survived by husband Robert; son G. Peter Witteveen (Lesley); daughters Ellen Teisman (William); Sarah Boynton (David); and grandchildren Phillip and Ana Witteveen; Ben, Emily, and John Teisman; and Justin, Mason, and Evan Rohrback; brother Howard Lundin (Loraine) of Mercer, PA, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother Earl Lundin, Jr.
In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest that Diantha be remembered by contributions to Leelanau Children's Choir and Youth Ensemble (P.O. Box 688, Suttons Bay 49682); Munson Hospice House (401 Brook St, Traverse City 49684); or the Michael J. Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation (17 North State St., Suite 1550, Chicago, IL 60602).
Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to sign Diantha's online guestbook and to share your condolences with the family.