A Stitch in Time: Diana’s Story
At 84 years young, Diana is one of the quiet treasures of Scullys – a woman whose hand, humour, and heart have made tens of thousands of relief packs over the years. Each one stitched with care, consistency, and the quiet dedication she’s known for.
Diana began working with Scullys Home & Beauty 26 years ago, at a time when work looked very different to how it does today. In those early years, she worked from home on her beloved Bernina sewing machine – a Swiss made beauty that served her faithfully for 21 years. Sewing was as much about patience and pride as it was about skill.
Sewing has always been part of her identity, she once made wedding dresses, but after a few of those marriages ended in divorce, she decided relief packs were a safer long-term commitment.
What has never changed, however, is how much she enjoys being part of the Scullys team. Diana absolutely loves calling into the factory to see “the girls”, share a laugh, and often arrive with freshly baked scones for morning tea – because, as she sees it, work is always better when shared with good company.
Diana has recently been given creative freedom to choose the fabrics for the Relief Packs, so look out for some new beautiful fabric choices. After all these years she feels privileged to have this responsibility and to show her creative flair.
Before Scullys, Diana lived a wonderfully full life. She worked as a dentist’s nurse, worked for the Union Steamship Company, in the travel industry where she spent eight years taking group bookings across New Zealand, and later six years in real estate as an administrator with Harcourts. She returned to Bulls at 55 to retire with her husband Tom – or so she thought – until Gerry (Scullys founder and previous owner) approached her to help find a seamstress to make various products. One conversation later, Diana was back doing what she loved.
Travel is still close to her heart. While she jokes that she could be cruising the world, she’s already booked a trip around the South Pacific next year with 11 other ladies – proving adventure doesn’t have an age limit.
Outside of work, Diana is fiercely active. She has played Mahjong weekly for 27 years, competing in tournaments and teaching others along the way. “It keeps the brain working”, she says – and she should know. She is part of Rural Woman NZ and is involved in many fundraising initiatives and local community events. She also has a very active social life often out and about with her many friends which is of great comfort after her beloved Tom passed away 8 years ago.
Diana is a grandmother to seven grandchildren, aged between 12 and 34, and a great grandmother to two. Her daughter lives on the Gold Coast, her son in Auckland, and her life is rich with family, friendships, and stories.
For Diana, working at Scullys isn’t just about staying busy – it’s about the relationships with the people, enjoying the process, and continuing to contribute in a way that feels meaningful. Her story is one of loyalty, laughter, and living life fully, stitch by stitch.