Diane M. Ellis

 UPDATE: A Celebration of Diane's Life will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 11 am at the Ingomar United Methodist Church 1501 W. Ingomar RD Pittsburgh, PA 15237 with Pastor Gregory D. Cox officiating.

Services in Estero Florida are still pending.

    It is with great sadness that the family of Diane M. Ellis, age 68, of Estero, FL, also of Pleasantville, PA, and Pittsburgh PA, announce her sudden passing on Friday, August 14, 2026. She was born February 9, 1958, in Aspinwall, PA. Daughter of the late Vincent P. and Evelyn (Libengood) Hanlon. 

     On August 8, 2009, she married John W. Ellis Jr., who survives.

     Diane was a graduate of Fox Chapel High School in 1976 and then continued her education at Chatham University.  She began what would be a venerable career as Director of Retail Strategy at PriceWaterhouseCoopers, New York for more than a decade before becoming a founding partner of Lighthouse Retail Group. 

     While in New York, she was appointed Brooks Brothers President and COO faithfully working alongside the Del Vecchio family for six years fostering an improved relationship within the retail industry & jumpstarting their partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

     In 2013, Diane joined The Limited Group in New Albany, Ohio, serving as CEO and President until 2016.

     Diane spent the last two years of full-time employment serving as Brand President of Chico’s in Fort Myers, Florida while living in their home in Estero, Florida during which time she was named a Top 3 Power Player Shaping the Future of Retail by the National Retail Federation in 2018. 

     Before and during retirement, Diane continued to support her passions in board roles for Stage Stores (Houston) and Grove City College, while also engaging in numerous public speaking and advisory roles.  

     Her many admirable career accomplishments are rivaled only by the impact she had outside of the Executive Suite. She cherished her family and friendships that will always be remembered while doing the things that Diane enjoyed most: travelling worldwide, being outdoors, gardening, spoiling pets, attending concerts and art festivals, and hosting loved ones for a home-cooked meal. 

     Diane certainly would have continued to thrive in her most recent role as Grandma Di to Owen and Amelia. Her family will always lovingly remember the calls, visits, support, and endless positivity.

     Surviving, in addition to her husband, are three step-children: Jordan Ellis and wife Jennah of The Woodlands, TX, J. Logan Ellis of Rochester, MN, and Emily Ellis and significant other, Brendan Rick of McCandless, PA, two step-grandchildren, Owen and Amelia Ellis of The Woodlands, TX, a brother, Don Hanlon and wife Elaina of Slate Lick, PA, and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, granddogs, and other loved ones, including a nephew, Daniel Hanlon of Natrona Heights, PA, a niece, Sarah (Alex) Robinson of Kittanning, PA, and a cousin, Cindy (Warrington) Rembert of Erie, PA.

     There will be no public visitation. A celebration of Diane’s life will be held in both Pittsburgh and Estero both to be announced at a later date.  Arrangements are under the direction of the Norman J. Wimer Funeral Home of Tionesta.

     In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Ingomar Living Waters or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.