Diane Talgo
1955-2025
Diane Talgo 69, of Cave Creek Arizona, passed away peacefully in her home on October 17th 2025. She was a cherished family member, friend and lover of animals and nature. Diane was born on November 5 1955 on Long Island, New York. She grew up in West Hempstead with her parents of Norwegian decent, mother Lillian, father Elmer and with her brother, Arnie. She often accompanied her father to the nearby stables where he worked as a carpenter. That’s where her love of horses began. She leaves behind her mule Lisa and donkey Jethro. Jethro was the name of the horse she rode as a child. Also in her care were her dogs, Finbar and Dagney and birds, Marigold and Zazu. All will be well taken care of.
She graduated community college and soon took a job with SAS airlines where she would work for the next 14 years. When a fellow employee told her about a house for sale in the tiny community of Edgewater Park, the Bronx, she bought her first home. She was married briefly and moved to a farm in Belgium. The lack of sunshine there and yearning for what she missed sent her back to the US. She moved to Santa Barbara, California where her uncle Cliffy lived. There she became a travel agent for Santa Barbara Travel. She hiked on the local trails and and made many new friends.
In her life, she would travel extensively. One of her most memorable trips was to Antartica. In order to go on land and see the penguins, courageously she would jump from the ship to the boat below. Her love for animals and nature drove her to make a significant move to a new home. She needed a place where she could have her animals and in 2005 that was Cave Creek, Arizona.
She had many endearing friendships from each place she lived. Her family recalls she was the keeper of the Talgo family ties. Her cousin was very close and said she helped him find his way with the Norwegian side of the family. She leaves behind, a niece Brooke, nephew Christian, aunt Lillian, cousins and many loyal friends.
Some of the most memorable words expressed about Diane…
“Both worldly and domestic, if one were a wild creature or still wild at heart, it was in Diane’s nature to provide a nest or place of rest for you too.” “She was the gypsy of the family.” “An adventurer, and independent spirit with a sense of humor.” “There is a longing in my heart to feel once again her gentle spirit and kindness.” “Her home was a portal for so many of God’s creatures. She cared for them as she did us -always with her soft gentle ways.” “She exuded this charm, very unassuming, but still a wonderful uniqueness about her, a little bit of mystery, a little bit of wonder.” “Diane was truly the most kind hearted person I have ever known…gentle in spirit, always caring about her dear friends and her beloved animals.” “Diane was a true celestial goddess of nature who cherished and cared for all living beings.”
Her presence will be deeply missed.
Donations can be made in Diane’s honor to Southwest Wildlife in Scottsdale AZ, Wild at Heart Rescue in Cave Creek AZ, Oasis Sanctuary (for birds) in Benson AZ and the Phoenix Herpetological Society.
