Diana L. “Dee” Niland
February 6, 1953 - May 25, 2026
Diana L. “Dee” Niland, age 73, of Newark, DE, passed away on Monday, May 25, 2026.
Born in Chestertown, MD on February 6, 1953, she was a daughter of the late George and Janet (Barringer) Kephart. Dee graduated from Concord High School in 1971. In 1974, she started working for Hewlett-Packard, where she worked many dedicated years and retired in 2004. Dee joined Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder Company in May 2000, with previous experience as a member of the Hewlett-Packard Emergency Response Team. She served as an EMT on a regularly scheduled overnight Aetna EMS crew for many years. Dee also contributed to the administration of the fire company as a member of the Insurance Committee, helping to develop guidelines and workers compensation packages for Aetna as it started to expand its workforce. She achieved Life Member status in December 2025.
Dee will be remembered for the joy, warmth, and love she brought to the lives of her family and friends. Nothing meant more to Dee than spending time with her beloved grandchildren, family, and the many friends she cherished throughout her life. She adored her black labs, Gracie and Willow, who were treasured members of her family. Dee found great happiness in decorating for Christmas and lovingly hosted an annual Christmas party that became a treasured tradition for those she loved. She and her husband looked forward each year to vacationing in Mexico to celebrate their wedding anniversary. Dee also loved her monthly girls’ nights out with close friends and enjoyed countless hours spent talking on the phone, shopping, going to the movies, or simply visiting with those she held dear. A lifelong Disney enthusiast, she surrounded herself with all things Disney, including a special Christmas tree adorned entirely with Disney ornaments and a guest room dedicated to her favorite characters and memories. She especially loved visiting Disney World, making numerous trips throughout her life and embracing the magic and wonder that brought her so much happiness. Dee’s generous spirit, infectious enthusiasm, and deep love for others will be remembered always.
In addition to her parents, Dee was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Kaylee Schmidt. She is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, Eugene Niland; children, Kristen Schmidt (Chris), Michael Martin, Patrick Niland, and William Niland (Megean); grandchildren, Christopher Paul Schmidt, Hailey Marie Schmidt, Bishop Niland, Mathias Niland, Miriam Niland, Juniper Niland, and Ramsey Niland; and siblings, Cindy Wisneski (Tom), and David George.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 12 pm on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a memorial service will begin at 12 pm. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dee’s name to Aetna Hose, Hook and Ladder, PO Box 148, Newark, DE 19715 or online by clicking here.
linda L testa
She was truly a great friend and all of us girls did look forward to our monthly dinners together. She will surely be missed.
Helena & Jim Malone
We are so sorry for your loss. Dee was a loved friend of many years. We always had a great time together going on trips, having dinner and just getting together. Dee will be greatly missed.
Kathy Morton
Dear Gene, Krissy, Michael and family. As you know, this was truly a shock. Dee and I have been friends since we both started working at the HP Avondale Division in the early ’70s. We remained friends even after she retired in 2004. We had some great memories and lots of laughs. I will miss both of us picking on each other. May you all know that I Greg and I are keeping you in our thoughts, hearts, and prayers.
Jim McCarnan
Gene, please accept my sincere condolences on the recent passing of Dee to both you and your entire family. While working on Medic 6 we had many opportunities to interact with you and Dee while you were the crew of A9. Dee’s professionalism, expertise and enthusiastic effort to help will always be remembered and appreciated. May she rest in peace.
Bryan Bristow
Aunt Dee,
You weren’t always present in my life but your were always present in my heart. You were always warm and loving to me and though I never had an opportunity to tell you, you and Uncle Mike were and always will be an inspiration of what family is. Thank you for always being my Aunt Dee. You were loved and respected and I will always miss you.
You’re loving nephew.
Judy Porta
I’m shocked and saddened at Dee’s passing. I always looked forward to getting her Christmas cards the day after Thanksgiving. It always started the season for me. will miss her terribly.
Eileen and Marty Rogalewicz
Gene, family and friends
Our deepest heartfelt sympathy to all of you for the sudden loss of our beloved “Dee”. She was taken way too soon and her loss is tremendous. Dee brought joy to everyone she touched. She displayed pride and great delight when speaking of her children and grandchildren. I know how much she valued time spent with family.
We will always remember our good times with her, dinners, parties, and our elaborate Mexican Vacation with her and Gene.
I always admired her zest and energy organizational skills and precise timing to planning Holiday decorating and parties, year after year. She enjoyed life to the fullest.
Most of all she and I shared a birthday month. Dee would plan a special birthday celebration which included dinner with the husbands. The ordinary would not suffice for our special day. I will miss that so much.
She and I shared a common interest in our love of animals, rescuing many throughout the years.
Our friend we hope you are lounging by the pool soaking up the sun.
A friend like no other and cannot be replaced, never to be forgotten.
Rest in Peace
Terry Wilson
So sorry to hear of Dee’s passing. She was a coworker for many years My condolences to all of Gene and Dee’s family .