Diana Jane Beliard

Diana Jane Beliard (age 94) of Wonalancet, NH, died peacefully February 19 at Huggins
Hospital in Wolfeboro, NH.
Diana was a committed activist for civil rights, the environment, the rights of women and
children, and corporate social responsibility. She was also a pioneering businesswoman
in real estate, a skilled potter, a dedicated mother to two children, and a well- known,
much-loved presence throughout the entire Carroll County area.
Born in 1923 in Rome, Italy, Diana grew up in Europe. She came to the United States to
attend Radcliffe College, followed by a Brookings Institute internship in Washington,
D.C. After two years of freelance journalism, she moved to Paris to help administer the
Marshall Plan.
In 1950, Diana married French diplomat Jean Beliard. They remained married until 1964,
living together in London, Paris, Detroit, Monaco and Chicago while raising their two
children, Michael (who predeceased her) and Diana. Later Diana also helped raise
Cricket and Jenny, the grandchildren of Diann DeWeese Smith. The dearest of friends,
Diana and Diann shared their home, their life, and their many passionate interests for
nearly 30 years.
Diana was a long-time visitor to the Wonalancet, NH summer home of
her parents–Edgar Ansel Mowrer, a Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist and author, and
Lilian Thomson Mowrer, also a best-selling author and theater critic. Following the
death of her mother and her own retirement, Diana spent summer and fall seasons in
New Hampshire. In 2009, Diana made Wonalancet her permanent residence and married
longtime Wonalancet resident, Vice Admiral Ralph Weymouth (retired), in 2012.
During her years in Chicago, Diana worked for many social service agencies and groups
focused on social change. Ever the activist, she belonged to the Social Venture Network,
the International Women’s Forum, Business for Social Responsibility, and the Investor’s
Circle. She was a founding member of the Chicago Network and the Committee of 200.
Her interest in and love of the arts was also a constant and she treasured her relationships
with many Chicago artists and her long membership in the Arts Club of Chicago.
In 1972 Diana became a realtor. She joined four other independent women realtors in
1980 to form Beliard Gordon & Partners, Ltd., which became one of the most respected
real estate firms in Chicago.
Diana was noted for her generosity, intelligence, passion, creativity, and deep engagement
with the world around her. She regularly hosted family and friends for lively discussions
on topics ranging from 1930’s history to current affairs. She nurtured and mentored
countless women and gave freely of her time and treasure to support the charities that
reflected her values and deep commitment to fairness, justice, and a better world.
Diana is survived by her husband, Ralph Weymouth, of Wonalancet, daughter Diana
Beliard of Winnetka, Illinois, and many step-children, step-grandchildren, and step-great
grandchildren.

Memorial gatherings for Diana will be held in Winnetka in mid-May and
in Wonalancet later in the year. Those interested in making donations in Diana’s name
are invited to give to the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, Women for Women International,
or the Anti-Cruelty Society.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Diana Jane Beliard, please visit our floral store.