Diane M. (Vogt) Sims, age 71, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, following her fourth battle with cancer. During the final days of her life's journey, she was surrounded by the unwavering love and support of her family.

Born on August 10, 1954, Diane was the daughter of the late Calvin G. and Ruth A. (Voll) Vogt. She was raised and educated in the Buffalo area, attended Finger Lakes Community College in Canandaigua, and continued her education at the University at Buffalo.

Diane worked for many years in the printing industry in Buffalo before relocating to the Rome area to be closer to her daughter and beloved grandchildren. She later joined the Rome City School District as a Teacher's Aide at Clough Elementary School, where she became a cherished member of the school family. Diane truly loved her work, her co-workers, and especially the students whose lives she touched with her kindness, patience, and compassion.

Above all else, Diane was a devoted mother, grandmother, and sister. Lovingly known as "Yaya" to her two grandchildren, they were the center of her world and brought her immeasurable joy. She was a woman whose life was defined by love, generosity, and selflessness. She found happiness in life's simple pleasures and faced the health challenges of her later years with remarkable strength, grace, and an unwavering positive spirit.

Diane's warmth, gentle heart, and endless love for her family will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Though her presence will be profoundly missed, her memory will live on in the countless lives she touched and in the love she gave so freely.

She is survived by her loving family, whose lives were forever enriched by her kindness and devotion. She leaves behind her daughter and son-in-law, Alexa and Steven Townsend; her grandchildren, Ben and Layla; her siblings, Sharon and Jim Gauthier, Nancy Vogt, Carol and Joe Massimi, Douglas Vogt, David and Barbara Vogt, Michael and Jacqueline Vogt, Peter Vogt, Paul and Dimitri Vogt-Toscas and Lynne and Daniel Parkhurst; along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends.

In keeping with Diane’s wishes, there will be no formal services at this time. A Celebration of Diane's Life will be held by her family at a date and time to be announced. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the Roswell Cancer Center c/o Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, PO Box 631, Buffalo, NY 14240.

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to the Barry Funeral Home, 807 West Chestnut Street, Rome, NY (315) 337-0055. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.barryfuneralhome.com.