Dianne Marie (Kleber) Paradis

10/30/1952 – 10/24/2023

Dianne Marie (Kleber) Paradis passed away on Oct. 24, 2023, at her home in Carpinteria, Calif. 

She was born Oct. 30, 1952 in Melrose, Mass. to Richard T. Kleber and Caroline R. (Greeley) Kleber. Dianne spent her childhood in Worcester, Mass., along with her six brothers and sisters. She was raised with a curiosity for her natural surroundings, and this evolved in her adult years to an appreciation for the beauty of the daily routines in her classroom, home, and garden. 

Dianne was always a passionate and dedicated student. She first attended Canisius University in Buffalo, N.Y., and graduated from UMass Amherst with her bachelor’s degree. After graduating, Dianne, along with her future husband Jim and their dear friend Jack, traveled cross-country to visit her childhood friend Eileen in Santa Barbara. With little hesitation, Dianne and Jim decided to remain in California, marry, and build their life together. Dianne and Jim welcomed their son Matthew J. Paradis and daughter Caroline M. (Paradis) Whittaker before Dianne returned to school to earn her teaching credential from UC Santa Barbara.

She began her early teaching career in Ventura before accepting a position with Canalino Elementary School, where she spent the rest of her long career serving students and families in Carpinteria and building relationships in the community. Dianne spent over 30 years in early elementary school classrooms and shared her love of learning with hundreds of children and their families.

Upon retiring, Dianne was able to enjoy time with her family, including her four beloved grandchildren and her husband Jim. Dianne also cherished time with her dear friends, many of whom were friendships that lasted decades. 

Dianne is predeceased by her parents, sister Gail, brother Ronnie and husband James. She is survived by her son Matt, his wife Kimi, their children Emmalani and Bryce; daughter Caroline and her children Dianne and Jeffry; and her siblings Rick, Donna, Russell and Katrina. We invite you to join us in memory of her life on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 1 p.m. at Linden Field at Carpinteria State Park. Please feel free to bring a chair or blanket. For those interested, the family suggests you bring a children’s book to donate in Dianne’s honor instead of flowers.