June 25, 2026 issue

Lakewood mourns the passing of

former Council Member Diane DuBois

The Lakewood City Council and city staff deeply mourn the passing of former Council Member Diane DuBois, a pivotal figure in the Lakewood community who also served with distinction three terms as mayor.

With 15 years on the City Council and 28 years on the Lakewood Planning and Environment Commission, DuBois stands as one of the longest-serving and most dedicated public servants in the city’s history. First elected to the council in 2005, she made history as Lakewood’s fourth councilwoman, paving the way for future leaders.

She chaired the council’s Environmental Management and Community Promotion committees and lent her leadership to the Lakewood Schools and Economic Development Committees. Every role she accepted was defined by a profound sense of duty and an unwavering belief that selfless public service is one of the highest callings of citizenship.

Lakewood Mayor Cassandra Chase spoke on behalf of her city council colleagues and the Lakewood community, saying, “Diane was the ultimate embodiment of civic duty: a tireless volunteer, a respected leader, and a deeply devoted elected official. She represented the very best of Lakewood, anchoring her life in community building and a fierce commitment to Lakewood’s future. We are profoundly grateful for her more than 40 years of selfless service, and we express our deepest, most heartfelt regret for this loss, both to her beloved family and to the city that loved her in return.”

CityTV video about former Council Member Diane DuBois and her accomplishments.

CityTV video prepared in honor of Council Member Diane DuBois' retirement in 2020.

Along with her official duties as a city council member, DuBois served her community as a board member and volunteer of Lakewood Meals On Wheels, a board member of the Greater Long Beach Girl Scout Council, a board member of Lakewood Regional Medical Center, a scholarship chair of the Pan American Association, a member and past president of Soroptimist International of Lakewood/Long Beach, and a past chair of the board of Pathways Volunteer Hospice.

While a member of the inaugural Board of Trustees of the Long Beach Ronald McDonald House, DuBois served as Community Outreach chair. She helped assemble the team of volunteers needed to make the Ronald McDonald House a success. She continued to assist in volunteer activities for the house and its residents.

Diane painting a wall as part of volunteer day

DuBois’ leadership extended well beyond city borders. In 2009, she was elected to the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro), serving with distinction as board chair from 2013 to 2014. She also steadfastly represented Lakewood on the Gateway Cities Council of Governments and within the Southern California Association of Governments general assembly.

Before dedicating her life to public service, DuBois was a trailblazing executive with Nestlé USA and a past president of the National Grocery Products Association. Born in Bell, California, she and her late husband, Bruce, chose Lakewood as their home in 1960. Even as a busy professional, her commitment to service began at the grassroots level; during her daughters' school years, she was a constant, familiar face volunteering to assist teachers and students at both Esther Lindstrom and Craig Williams elementary schools.

Reflecting on her six decades in the city in 2020, DuBois captured the essence of the community she helped shape. “We have beautiful streets and parks in Lakewood, but most of all we have people, businesses and community groups who care about their city and care about each other. I fell in love with Lakewood and its people 60 years ago when I moved here, and I’m still in love with our community today.”