Diane Y. Knack Conneman

Diane Yvonne Knack Conneman, 82, of Ithaca, New York, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025 from complications related to dementia.

Born to Karl and Hertha Wehr of Mifflinburg, PA, Diane dedicated her life to family, service, education, and community. She held a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies from Penn State University and a Master of Arts in Management and Political Science from Binghamton University.

Diane spent her professional life working to strengthen communities across New York State. She had a long and impactful career with Cornell Cooperative Extension, including serving as Executive Director of the Broome County Extension. She later became Director of the LEAD NY program, mentoring a generation of leaders in food, agriculture, and natural resources.

Beyond her professional life, Diane gave generously of her time and talents. She was an active volunteer and board member with numerous organizations, including the Family Reading Partnership, and served on the Town of Ithaca Conservation Board. A devoted member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, she served in many leadership and volunteer roles and found joy quilting with the Mission Quilts group.

Diane was also a member of the PEO Sisterhood and was deeply involved in her residential community, where she served on the grounds committee. She was known for her love of sewing, gardening, and travel, and for her deep commitment to causes that supported education and empowerment for disadvantaged communities.

She is survived by her daughters, Katherine Dittmer (Jeff) and Susan Knack-Brown (Alexander); her beloved grandchildren, Avery Dittmer and Charlotte Brown; her siblings, Wendy Wehr, Mark Wehr, and Sam Wehr; and many extended family members and dear friends.

She was predeceased by her parents, Karl and Hertha Wehr; her brother, Roger Wehr; and her husbands, Theodore Knack and George Conneman.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 1:30 PM at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 109 Oak Ave, Ithaca, NY, followed by a reception at the church. Burial will take place at a later date.

Diane will be remembered for her wisdom, warmth, and unwavering dedication to making the world a better place — one quilt, one garden, one act of service at a time.

To honor Diane’s legacy of service, the family invites donations to Family Reading Partnership (familyreading.org) or Cancer Resource Center of Finger Lakes (crcfl.net).