Diana is perhaps the first person I came in contact with (other than my then boss) when joining the UN in 1999 as a legal consultant. She was already retired, if I recall, but was consulting and the legal division had a huge backlog of cases. I was entirely new not to the law but to the UN and its legal intricacies and systems – so different to national ones in many respects. What I remember most is Diana’s generosity and joie de vivre. She just unreservedly gave me all I needed to succeed in this first somewhat daunting job, in an office that was going through so much turmoil at the time.
She showed me the ropes; not only did she do her own work, she also spent time mentoring and training me. I only worked in that office for a year and then left to go on mission in the field. As it happened, we had good friends in common and I would have news every so often either directly or through them. I never went to The Loft or the Barn but heard so much about these intriguing places!.
Years later, jumping to 2010/2011, I was back in Headquarters in NY, this time in a much more senior legal role and lo and behold…one day, I find myself in court with Diana on the other side as my ‘opponent’ – except that there is no such antagonistic vocabulary when talking of Diana as a professional. There she was, still with the same vibrant passion, doing all she could to represent quite a difficult client, whose case was not without merit, but whose behaviour was a handful to handle. I was infused with the same principles as Diana by then, those that she had showed me and these were fairness, justice, appropriateness, sense of decorum in court etc…I was so happy to see her again in a case that lasted quite some time and ended up in a mediation agreement which we both worked towards as a team – to the judge’s pleasant surprise!
I have fond memories of these times, in 1999 and jumping forward to 2010/2011. We remained a lot more in touch thereafter and it helped that I was in NY until 2012 to do so. On the one hand, I am saddened by her passing but this is the fate that awaits all of us and we must accept it as she did, going in her sleep. On the other hand, I marvel at the stories I read about this exceptional lady and her unique destiny and life, a life of distinction.
It has been an honour to know you and work with you Diana. May you Rest in Peace.
Natalie, so lovely to read this remembrance, and so in character for Di. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Natalie. Diana would have loved this tribute.
With love
Tina