In Memorium, Diane Canter, 1957 - 2022
Diane Faye Canter, 64, of Hyattsville passed away November 30, 2022. She was born December 18, 1957, in District Heights to Howard Roland Sr. and
Anna (Bobak) Canter. Diane grew up in West Lanham Hills and graduated from Fairmont Heights High School before attending the University of Maryland. She worked for the University of Maryland as an administrator in the Chemistry Department for 45 years, retiring in June of 2021. Diane was an outgoing, positive person with an infectious laugh. She enjoyed cats, sewing, taking care of others, especially her family members, and decorating for holidays, especially Halloween. Diane is survived by her son Kyle Koltko, brothers Donald (Beverly), George (Lynne), Howard (Marge) and Gary Canter, and nieces and nephews Adam, Meghan, David, Ryan, Amber, Alex, and Anna. She was preceded in death by her niece Katrina. A Celebration of Life will be held at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church on January 14th
. In lieu of flowers donations in Diane's name may be made to Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church at the address below.
Words from the University of Maryland
In Memorium, Diane Canter, 1957 - 2022
STAFF / 7 December 2022 /
Diane Canter, a long-time employee and friend to generations of students, staff and faculty in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, passed away on November 30, 2022.
Diane Canter (1957-2022), Chemistry & Biochemistry Staff Member (1984-2021)
Diane came to the University of Maryland first as a student after her graduation from Fairmont Heights High School. She initially worked in the Division of Parole & Probations for five years before returning to the University of Maryland, College Park in 1984 for an administrative position in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. She remained an employee in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry for 37 years, serving in a variety of capacities including faculty services, student services and general administration. She impacted the Department greatly through her recurring roles in the Graduate Office between 1984, when she was recruited by Professor William Walters to staff the reorganized graduate office, and 2021, when she retired from her position of Chemistry Graduate Program Coordinator. Diane was legendary for knowing all of the rules of the University of Maryland Graduate School, and helping generations of Chemistry & Biochemistry Graduate Students navigate through the labyrinth of Graduate School regulations to their degrees. She was always a friendly and calming presence in the Graduate Office, ready to listen to student concerns, and to provide informal counseling from her long experience in working with students, faculty, and the Graduate School. At the time of her 2021 retirement, she was the most senior staff person in the department and a friend to all.
In the words of Professor Emeritus and former department Chair Phil Deshong, “Diane Canter is the nicest person I have ever had the privilege of working with.”
She enjoyed participating in Department extracurricular activities, such as playing on the softball team as a young staff member, and went all out in creating a spooky Graduate Office at Halloween with many special effects. She volunteered her time and energy at department picnics and parties, and took joy in creating a community.
Diane is survived by her beloved son Kyle Koltko and her four brothers and their wives, Donald and Beverly Canter and George and Lynne Canter, Howard and Marge Canter and Gary Canter and many nieces and nephews.
Her obituary can be found here - https://rauschfuneralhomes.com/service/diane-faye-canter/
