Diana Purdie Mirkin, 84, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Diana was born in Singapore on January 26, 1942, during the early days of World War II. Shortly after her birth, as the Japanese invasion approached, she, her mother, and her brother were evacuated by ship. Her family eventually settled in La Jolla, California, where Diana was raised. She later graduated from Vassar College.

Exceptionally bright, endlessly curious, and remarkably capable, Diana pursued an impressive range of interests and careers throughout her life. She was an educator, an advisor to a county executive, a director of a regional Head Start program, a landscape architect and urban planner, and an accomplished writer. Never one to stop learning or challenging herself, Diana returned to school in her late 40s and earned her MBA.

Diana shared much of her remarkable life with her husband, Dr. Gabe Mirkin. Partners in life as well as in many of their professional and personal pursuits, Diana and Gabe co-authored books, newspaper columns, and newsletters and co-hosted a radio program together. They shared a deep curiosity about the world and a passion for health, learning, writing, and living an active and engaged life.

Perhaps most memorably, Diana and Gabe were avid tandem cyclists and became a familiar and beloved sight riding together. Well known in the communities they called home, they were recognized not only for their many accomplishments, but for the energy, enthusiasm, and sense of adventure with which they approached life together. Over the years, their shared interests and adventures brought them countless friendships and lasting connections.

Diana's own curiosity and enthusiasm extended in seemingly endless directions. She was an avid gardener, talented cook, devoted dog rescuer, and a woman who seemed capable of learning—and mastering—almost anything that captured her interest.

Above all, Diana's greatest and most enduring legacy was her family. She was a loving mother of four, stepmother of five, grandmother of 13, and great-grandmother of one. She treasured the large and wonderfully extended family that surrounded her.

Diana spent the last 17 years living in The Villages, Florida, and previously made her home in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

She was the daughter of the late Donald Purdie and Mary Carol (Brown) Purdie.

Diana is survived by her husband, Dr. Gabe Mirkin; her sons, Peter Rich (Julie) of Annapolis, Maryland; Matthew Rich (Nicole) of Savannah, Georgia; and Christopher Rich of Portland, Oregon; and her daughter, Amy Rung (Pete) of Austin, Texas. She is also survived by her stepsons, Gene Mirkin (Carol) of Annapolis, Maryland; Geoff Mirkin (Franki) of Naples, Florida; and Kenny Mirkin of Moorestown, New Jersey; her stepdaughters, Jan Mirkin (Palmer) of Austin, Texas, and Jill Gardner (Tom) of Indianapolis, Indiana; her brother, Rob Purdie (Marian) of Cameron Park, California; her 13 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

A celebration of Diana's life will be held at The Sea Breeze Recreation Center – The Villages on August 30th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Bike attire optional.)

Diana lived a life defined by curiosity, intelligence, independence, and an enduring desire to keep learning, exploring, and taking on something new. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, her friends, and the many people whose lives she touched. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the Humane Society of Sumter County Home - Humane Society of Sumter County