Write a commentDiana Moreen Ostrow, 82, resident of Morningstar Residential Care Center for a short period, passed away June 24, 2023.
She spent the last six years in the care of St. Francis Commons. Prior to her move to Oswego, Diana lived with Harold Lionel Ostrow, her husband of forty-nine years, in Manhattan.
Born in Fareham, England, Diana was the daughter of John Thomas Reginald Mitchell and his wife, Daisy Lilian (late Hayden, maiden Mansbridge). She is survived by her sister Marguerite Mitchell of Portsmouth, England; stepdaughter Mindy (Bill Reilly) Ostrow of Oswego and stepson Ross (Risa) Ostrow of Wappinger Falls, NY. Grandsons include Emil Christmann (Megan Irland) of Martville, NY, Peter and Eric Ostrow; and great grandsons Rowan and Kieran Christmann.
In addition to her parents, Diana was predeceased by a stepson, Hugh Ostrow; Jimmy Hayden, half-brother who died in Normandy on D-Day; and granddaughter (Mindy’s daughter) Lynn Christmann.
Diana always wore her “dancing shoes,” ready to strike a pose whenever a lively beat could be heard. In the 60s, she studied tap, ballet and modern jazz at the Mavis Butler School of Dancing in Portsmouth, England and at London’s Aida Foster Stage School. In 1963, Diana was the lead dancer with the Billy Petch Dancers, giving a Royal Command (Variety) Performance for the Queen at London’s Prince of Wales Theatre. The dancers were the opening act for many performers appearing that night, including Marlene Dietrich with Burt Bacharach, and. . . the Beatles!
Her career included commercials for Pepsodent Toothpaste, Rolo Chocolate Caramels, and Kellogg’s cereals, to name a few. She can be seen dancing in some movies from the 60s such as Oliver and Summer Holiday and, in the 70s, appeared on some TV variety shows.
There are no calling hours or services. Arrangements are in the care of the Dain-Cullinan Funeral Home, Oswego. Contributions in Diana’s name may be made to St. Francis Commons, Oswego Health Foundation or Morningstar Residential Care Center.
