Evelyn Dianne Berrett

Evelyn Dianne Lehman Berrett, 65, beloved mother, friend, and mentor, passed away September 13, 2007 after a three-year battle with leukemia.Dianne was born on May 20, 1942, in Tahlequah, OK.When she was four years old, Dianne announced her intention to become a nurse--an intention she fulfilled by graduating from the OU School of Nursing in 1963.In 1969, Dianne moved to Dallas to attend Baylor University's nurse anesthesia program and began a successful career as a certified registered nurse anesthetist.She was active within the Texas Association of Nurse Anesthetists, serving as that organization's president in 1989-90 and 1991-92.Dianne loved caring for her patients and immensely enjoyed the company of the doctors and nurses she worked with over the years. Along with being active in her professional community, Dianne also contributed to local groups, including the Kaufman County Medical Advisory Board.She was well known in her neighborhood not only for her willingness to help others, but also for her exceptional cooking.Dianne was an avid animal lover and took in or found homes for the numerous stray dogs and cats that came to her door.Her family, however, always held the largest piece of her heart.She was always ready to help her parents, brothers, and sisters with whatever troubles they had, and was an unlimited source of support, inspiration, and love for her daughter, Elizabeth.In 2005, Dianne's leukemia went into remission long enough to allow her to care for her husband of thirty years, Walter Berrett, until his death. Dianne was preceded in death by her parents, Ivy and Laurence Lehman; sister, Ivy Lys Dameron; and husband, Walter F. Berrett.She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Berrett;siblings Barbara Ames, Larry Lehman, Lowell Lehman, Jackie Davidson, Stretch Head, Leslie Lehman, and Lyle Lehman; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of dear friends. The family wishes to extend special thanks to the Texas Oncology teams at Presbyterian and Medical City Dallas Hospitals, especially to Dr. James Strauss and Dr. Vikas Bhushan; to Dr. Allan Shulkin and Dr. David Allen and their associates; and to the nursing staffs of the Medical City MICU and 12th floor transplant unit