Dianna Lee Cottriel

Dianna Lee Cottriel was born on September 12, 1967 at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara to Judith Reed and Dennis Romero. She was born the youngest of four; baby sister to Billy, Terri, and Roxanne. She grew up on Payton Street in Goleta, attending Hollister Elementary, La Colina Jr High, and San Marcos High School.

During her lifetime, she worked various jobs including Ronald’s Nugget, the original Habit Burger, PS Medical, Robinson’s May, Mentor Corporation, and Shear Artistry Hair Salon.

Growing up, Di loved to be out and about with friends, dancing at the hottest spots, going to the beach or lake, anything makeup related, and shopping.

In 1988, she used her older sister’s ID to get into Alex’s Cantina in Old Town Goleta, where she caught the attention of a handsome 26 year old, Bill Cottriel. The two hit it off immediately and that starry May night ultimately became the one that changed her life forever.

She quickly learned Bill was a dad, and he quickly learned she was underage at a bar going by her sister’s name. The car seats in the back of his car didn’t scare her off, in fact she took to being a mother-figure in his two kids’ life well. She was a natural at it and helped him take care of both Jenelle and Jeremy in their family home on Old San Marcos Road.

In April 1990, the two wed at the First Congregational Church of Santa Barbara and Rockwood Women’s Club. Celebrating 35 years of marriage this past spring was something she was very proud of.

In October 1991, they welcomed a baby girl, Jessica Nicole. Their newly blended family with the 3 kids was full of camping trips, beach days, soccer practices, and enjoying everyday life together.

Dianna is survived by her eternal soulmate, Bill Cottriel aka ‘My William’, children, Jenelle Cottriel, Jeremy Cottriel (Heather), and Jess Rodriguez (Joel). Dianna’s greatest blessings include her six grandchildren, Kalea, Teigan, Thea, Jaylee, Margot, and Jace. Oh, and we can’t forget her two furry grand-doggies, Teddy, and Rebo. She is also survived by her mother, sisters and brothers, numerous nephews and nieces, cousins, aunts and uncles, and a lengthy list of lifetime friends. She is predeceased by her father and oldest brother.

Dianna will always be known for her kind heart, loyalty, generosity, and for her drive to live each day like tomorrow isn’t promised. She took joy in the small, simple moments, and always did things that made her happy without regret. She would never talk you out of buying the shoes or taking the trip!

For the past 8 months, Di bravely battled a rare cancer that ultimately took her life on October 16, 2025 at Cottage Hospital. She was blessed enough to receive the greatest gift of bedside goodbyes from some of her closest friends and family.

She will be missed so much by all those who were lucky enough to have known her. We will say her name often, relive all the happy times we shared with her, look for signs that she’s near, and allow ourselves to enjoy the things and the people we love most.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Sarcoma Foundation of America in her honor.