Diane Dailey Frey

Diane Dailey Frey, age 81, of Philadelphia, PA, died on January 24, 2026. She was the beloved wife of Richard Frey for forty-seven years who passed away three days after Diane. She is survived by her daughter Julia Patterson Frey and her son-in-law Jeb Kreager, by her brother William Stewart Dailey, and by her adored grandchildren, William and Llewyn Frey Kreager.

Born in June 1944 in Boston and raised in Norwell on the south shore of Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late William Ernest Dailey and Helen Patterson Dailey. She graduated from Norwell High School (1962), Keuka College (1966), and received her doctorate in Eastern European History from the University of Washington (1977), which included a Fulbright to Krakow, Poland (1974). She went on to become the Director of Advising for the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania, where she guided and supported students from 1979-2009.

Diane was an avid reader, a lover of the arts, and a dedicated volunteer. After retirement, she tutored elementary students in reading, assisted formerly incarcerated people, and served in myriad areas for the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia. She was a friend to many, a brilliant, supportive, loving listener with a teasing side that loved a pun. Diane and her husband Richard were treasured residents of their Center City neighborhood, and together they frequented museums and performances across Philly. She was most proud to be Mom to Julia and Nana to Will and Llew.

A memorial celebration for Diane and Richard will be held in the spring in Philadelphia.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Doctors Without Borders, Planned Parenthood, or the American Civil Liberties Union.