Diane Judith (Chumley) Fellerman, 81 years old, of Skaneateles, passed away on Oct. 8, 2023, at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse. She was known as a dedicated mother, a devoted parishioner of Skaneateles Presbyterian Church and an engaged and opinionated member of the Skaneateles community.
Diane was born to Marion Everett Chumley and June (MacKenzie) Chumley on Dec. 29, 1941, at St. Barnabas Hospital in Minneapolis, MN. Diane graduated from Robbinsdale High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in home economics from the University of Minnesota. Early in her career, she taught cooking classes, engineered lighting programs and did recipe development for Byerly’s in Minneapolis, MN.
Diane married Arthur W. Fellerman (predeceased, December 2013) in 1972. She was fond of re-telling her promise to Art that “I cannot guarantee you’ll always be happy, but I’m certain you’ll never be bored!” They shared a loving marriage of 41 years filled with growth, adventure and multiple projects in and around their homes. With sons Gerich and Mark, they camped, skied and traveled extensively.
Later in life, as both an empty-nester with Art, and as a widow, she continued to travel, learn and be delighted by our world. As her family matured, Diane joined the Cornell Cooperative Extension team helping the community connect with resources to support businesses, farms and families.
Once her sons had left for college, Diane converted their Victorian farmhouse on West Lake Road into a well-regarded Bed and Breakfast. Her naturally curious and convivial manner, coupled with her love of the Finger Lakes, made her a perfect innkeeper.
In 1998, Diane was diagnosed with a life-threatening cancer, which she survived, to the surprise of some of America’s best surgeons. While a victory, it was not the only battle to be fought. Over the next 20 years, Diane overcame multiple medical issues, leaving her on a first-name basis with local doctors and nurses. Until now, she always came home to the thankful but sometimes bewildered surprise of many. Although she will be missed every second of every day, her family appreciates the mercy of God for having called her home so quickly and conclusively this time.
She will be remembered as an optimistic fighter who was always up for a cup of coffee, a conversation or an adventure. Besides her commitment to her family, Diane was active at Skaneateles Presbyterian Church, The Monday Evening Club, the University of Minnesota Skeewaksurs Club and as a staunch advocate and fundraiser for the Skaneateles Library.
Diane is survived by her cat and constant companion, Snicklefritz; son Gerich with wife Wendy and granddaughter Cassidy of Portland, OR; son Mark with partner Jennifer Walton of Jackson, WY; sisters Margaret and Dennis Tuthill of Minneapolis, MN, Joan Chumley of Michigan City, IN, Kathleen Potter of Crystal, MN; in-laws Lynn Fellerman of Aitkin, MN; Harold and Bonnie Fellerman of Maple Grove, MN; and nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles at 10 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 16, 2023.
Donations to the Skaneateles Library Fund are encouraged and appreciated in lieu of flowers and to further a project very dear to Diane’s heart; skanlibrary.org/support/donate or 49 East Genesee Street, Skaneateles, NY 13152) To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.
