Diane Aman

Diane Aman 

August 5, 1948 – April 14, 2026

Diane Aman, age 77, of Brooklyn, New York, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, with her loving partner Shelly at her side.

Diane devoted more than 40 years of her life to social work, dedicating her career to the provision of mental health services for children and youth across New York State. Her work spanned private not-for-profit child welfare and behavioral health agencies as well as state government service, always guided by a deep belief in the dignity and potential of every young person she served.

After receiving an MSW at the University of Georgia, Diane began her career at Vanderheyden Hall and then Parsons Child and Family Center, building a strong foundation in child welfare. She later expanded her impact by entering government service at the Council on Children and Families. There, she helped shape systems aimed at improving outcomes for children across the state. Diane went on to serve as a quality assurance specialist in the mental health field at Western New York Children’s Psychiatric Center before returning to the New York City area. She served as Executive Director of the Brooklyn Children’s Psychiatric Center before retiring in 2013 from the New York State Office of Mental Health, concluding a distinguished and deeply meaningful career.

Beyond her professional life, Diane was known for her extraordinary warmth, generosity, and deep sense of connection to others. She was an exceptional cook and a true foodie who found joy in preparing and sharing meals with friends. She loved the theater, cherished summers in Provincetown and on Cape Cod, and found peace and happiness in Saratoga and at Lake Desolation.

Diane and her lifelong partner, Shelly Gedraitis, shared more than 20 years together in their Brooklyn home with their beloved cat L.C.. They loved their Court Street neighborhood and were deeply woven into the fabric of their community. Diane knew the stories of everyone in her building, and together she and Shelly built lasting relationships with neighbors, shop owners, and friends throughout the area. Diane nurtured everyone she encountered, never forgetting birthdays or holidays. At Chanukah and Christmas, the “children” in her extended world received cards and gifts, along with her unwavering affection. Her tradition of attending Passover seders in Albany remained a constant throughout her life. Diane’s compassion extended especially to those in her closest circle of care. She lovingly cared for her dog Billie Sue, even carrying her up and down three flights of stairs during illness, and she never again took in another dog after her passing.

She was predeceased by her father Hinton, her mother Vara in 2014, and her brother Billy in 2024. Her maternal grandmother, Mamaw, remained a lasting influence in her life, helping her stay connected to her southern roots.

Diane’s life was one of service, tenderness, and community. She will be remembered for her steadfast compassion, her joyful spirit, and the countless ways she made people feel seen, fed, and loved.

Diane is survived by her beloved and dedicated partner, Shelly Gedraitis and their cat L.C., and her chosen family, including Jim Hood and Bill Shay, Rolfe Lawson, Phyllis Silver, Rachael, David and Erin McKeon, Ilene Margolin and Bob and Caroline Norris and Brian Lombrowski, Betty Reinheimer, Susan Vail, and many other cherished friends and loved ones who were touched by her enduring care and presence.

A celebration of Diane’s life will be held at a later date. Diane was a lover of all animals, big and small. If you wish to honor her memory, donations in her honor can be made to the ASPCA or a local animal shelter.