Tri Sigma Mourns Passing of Past National President Diana Sarber

It is with great sadness that Tri Sigma announces the passing of longtime member and past national president, Diana Hornick Sarber, Beta Mu Chapter at the University of Central Oklahoma. Diana was a dear friend to many sisters and her love, enthusiasm and continued passion for Tri Sigma will be greatly missed.

An excerpt from “Sigma Sigma Sigma Over a Century of Sisterhood” reads, “Proud to Be. Centennial Challenge. The Best of the Best. These words remind us of the leadership style of Diana Sarber, our tenth National President.”

Diana was initiated into Tri Sigma in 1967 as a member of the Beta Mu Chapter at the University of Central Oklahoma. As a Tri Sigma, she served nearly 30 years in a variety of volunteer positions, including national collegiate chairman (1979-1986), national collegiate area director (1984-1986), National Panhellenic Conference delegate (1986-1995), national president (1995-2001), National Panhellenic Conference 3rd alternate delegate (1995-2001), Walton House board member (2005-2008), Sigma shop committee (2007), and nominating committee chairman (2007). Among Diana’s many awards, she was awarded the 24 Year National Officer Service Award and in 2007 was given Tri Sigma’s highest honor, The Founders Award.

Diana was instrumental in helping Tri Sigma purchase, renovate, and furnish the home for Beta Mu Chapter when the chapter returned to campus in 2016. She was thrilled to see her initiating chapter return to the University of Central Oklahoma and attended many events since the re-establishment. 

“Diana was and will always be a special lady," says National President Natalie Averette. "She is truly an iconic Tri Sigma and served both Tri Sigma and NPC with such grace and poise. She will forever be honored and fondly remembered. Diana leaves a remarkable legacy which will live on and will continue to inspire Tri Sigmas.”

In her Convention address, Diana stated, “we are responsible for ensuring that the legacy of our Founders will be preserved, and that the future will be full of promise and hope. Their vision is our inheritance. Allegiance to one another and our Sisterhood is a bond that can never be broken. It is the essence of who we are.”

Tri Sigma would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Diana Sarber. Visitation will be held on Oct. 3 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Smith and Kernke Funeral Home located at 14624 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73134. Services will be held on Oct. 4 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church located at 8005 Dorset Dr., Oklahoma City, OK 73120. Tri Sigma members in attendance are encouraged to wear purple. In lieu of flowers, donations in Diana's honor can be made to the Sigma Sigma Sigma Foundation or Christ the King Catholic Church.

All Tri Sigma members are encouraged to wear a black ribbon under their badge for three days in honor of Diana’s Executive Council service.