A Life of Service, Courage, and Compassion

Diana Marie Lieber, age 73, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2025, surrounded by family and close friends. She was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where her adventurous spirit and dedication to service first began to shine. At age 21, Diana left Minnesota to pursue a career that would take her to warmer climates and fulfill her lifelong passion for law enforcement. In 1974, she enlisted in the United States Air Force, where she became one of the first women to serve in the Military Working Dog (MWD) Program. Throughout her distinguished 20-year military career, she achieved many “firsts” for women in the Air Force while earning a Bachelor of Science in Social Psychology and Human Resources Management. Diana retired honorably in 1994 as a Master Sergeant.

Dedication Beyond the Uniform
Following her military service, Diana joined the U.S. Customs Service as a Drug Detector Dog Handler at Miami International Airport. Her expertise and leadership led her to become an Instructor at the Front Royal Customs Service Dog Training Academy in 2000. In 2005, she transferred to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Headquarters to contribute to the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program, where she served with distinction until retiring as a GS-14 in 2011. Even after retiring from federal service, Diana’s commitment to helping others continued. She served as Case Manager and House Manager at The House of Hope, a men’s homeless shelter in Front Royal, while earning her Master of Science in Professional Counseling. In 2016, she began volunteering at the Rappahannock, Shenandoah, and Warren County Regional Jail, helping inmates through a dog-training rehabilitation program in partnership with the Warren County Humane Society.

A Legacy of Compassion and Empowerment
In 2018, Diana became a Project Coordinator for the McShin Foundation, working with inmates in a Substance Use Disorder Program. She also served part-time as a Counselor at the Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center (EPEC), where she supported survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault—a role she held until her well-earned decision to slow down. Diana lived every day with purpose and adventure. She enjoyed skydiving, scuba diving, motorcycle riding, international travel, and even earned her private pilot’s license. After moving to Shenandoah Valley Westminster Canterbury in July 2023, she continued embracing new adventures and friendships with her characteristic enthusiasm and kindness.

Honoring Diana’s Memory