The church in Santa Monica was packed. Tears flowed, of course. But plenty of smiles, knowing nods and laughter over Diane Ronnau’s legendary style—funny, passionate, unstoppable and direct.

So taking a lesson from what the priest at Friday’s funeral called " The Gospel According to Diane,'' we’ll also be direct: Please give to this fund to support her sons Ben and Aidan.

Diane died July 22 after a brilliant and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer for more than 16 years — never losing her wit, love, or emotional stamina.

Diane was a CBS News producer for more than 30 years, doing pieces for

48 Hours, the CBS Morning News and Sunday Morning, and for the past 20

years, the CBS Evening News. The breadth and depth of her coverage

were astounding — from forest fires to political campaigns and everything

in-between — including, most recently, a primetime special on the

conviction of the police officer who killed George Floyd. She never let her

stage-4 cancer diagnosis and treatment stop her.

Diane was the proud mom of twins Aidan and Ben, the stars of her life. In a 2007 CBS News interview, she said, "I choose not to be identified by cancer. I choose to be identified as a working mother."

Diane’s colleagues were in awe of her focus and fortitude. Former CBS

News President and 48 Hours Executive Producer Susan Zirinsky called

Ronnau "a superior journalist" who “could take on any challenge on any

broadcast."

CBS Evening News Executive Producer Adam Verdugo concurred. "Diane

was a fighter — a no-nonsense journalist with unmatched perseveranceand wit. I was always struck by her indefatigable spirit."

We want to keep that spirit going. With this GoFundMe campaign, we hope

to ensure that Ben and Aidan have the security and education their mother intended. We hope your loving memories of Diane Ronnau will help fuel this effort.

Thank you so much.