Mary Diane McQuarie
Beloved sister, aunt, and friend, Mary Diane McQuarie died on March 21, 2023, at her home in Santa Barbara. Born and raised in Dallas, TX, Diane received her BA and MA from the University of Texas at Austin. Diane relocated to San Francisco, CA, for work, and it was there she met her husband of 31 years, Paul Wilson, a native of Jackson, MS, and a graduate of Vanderbilt University. Diane was a talented writer and researcher, and co-authored the 1987 book Growing a Business, which was then adapted into a 17-part series for PBS. Together Diane and Paul founded and grew MapFrame Corporation, first in San Francisco, then in Dallas. After moving back to her hometown of Dallas, she became involved in politics, particularly helping to elect women to office. After selling the company to GE in 2008, Diane and Paul retired to Santa Barbara, where they both became very involved in the community. Paul dedicated much of his time to Santa Barbara Habitat for Humanity, while Diane was involved with Girls Inc., the Research Committee of the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara, the Women’s Board of the Santa Barbara Art Museum, and most recently volunteering for the Fr. Virgil Cordano Center of Santa Barbara.
Diane was predeceased by her husband, Paul in November 2020 and by her parents, Catherine and Henry Shotland of Dallas. She leaves behind brothers Phil and Don; and a sister, Jeanne Coyle, all of Dallas; her nieces and nephews, Sarah Shotland of Pittsburgh, PA; Susan Shotland of Houston, TX; and Son Vo, Joseph Shotland, and Henry Shotland all of Dallas, TX. She was also a beloved great-aunt to Patrick and Catherine Fannin, Don and Justin Vo, and Lily Shotland.
She leaves behind many friends, new and old, in Santa Barbara and Texas, who are devastated by her passing. Diane inspired those around her with her love for travel, art, and dining. She will be remembered as a generous and adventurous spirit who cared deeply for her family, friends, animals, the earth, and cultivated beauty wherever she traveled. She will be missed.