In 1968, 58 years ago, Diane joined Glenwood Acres (now part of Kissing Bridge Ski Area), and from that very first run, she never looked back. She pointed her skis downhill and spent a lifetime lifting others up—patrollers, guests, and friends alike. Her impact stretched far beyond the slopes of Kissing Bridge, touching the entire Western New York Region, the Eastern Division, and the National Ski Patrol. To so many, she wasn’t just a leader—she was an inspiration, a mentor, and family.
Diane gave her whole self to the patrol. Whether she was teaching, mentoring, testing, or leading, she did so with unmatched energy and care. She served in countless roles, including First Aid/OEC Examiner, Instructor, Junior Advisor, Assistant Patrol Director, and most notably, Patrol Director for nearly three decades (1983–1993 and 1997–2024). Her leadership shaped generations of patrollers, and her influence will be felt for years to come in every lesson taught, every hill swept, and every life helped.
Her dedication did not go unnoticed. Diane was honored as Kissing Bridge Patroller of the Year and Western New York Patroller of the Year, and she received the National Ski Patrol Distinguished Service Award. She was awarded National Appointment #4871 in 1976.in recognition of her extraordinary leadership and was recognized for 50 years of service in 2018. Over her career she received Purple Merit Stars (2), a Blue, a Yellow, and a Meritorious Service Award. Yet, for Diane, the true reward was never the recognition—it was the people, the patrol, and the purpose she loved so deeply.
Those who knew Diane will remember her as more than her titles. She was the one cheering you on when you doubted yourself, the one who showed up—always—and the one who gave 120% in everything she did. As was so perfectly said, “They don’t get any better.” And truly, they don’t.
Diane came to ski patrol out of a love for skiing and a desire to help others—but she stayed because it became her family. And she gave that family everything she had, right up until the very end.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Frank Smith, who shared her passion for the National Ski Patrol and Kissing Bridge Ski Patrol. She is survived by her cousins, Geraldine Stuff and Gary (Stephane) Stuff; her sisters-in-law, Shirley Wojtkowiak and Barbara Coleman; her nieces and nephews, Katherine Marks, Steve Wojtkowiak, Ken Wojtkowiak, and Karen Schneider; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.
Though Diane may no longer be with us on the slopes, her spirit will always be there—in every turn, every act of kindness, and every patroller who carries forward what she so selflessly gave. Her tracks will never fade.
Dr. Daniel Barletta
Kissing Bridge Ski Patrol
