Community volunteer did
not let being blind divert
her from activism

DIANE YOUNG GALUS / 1944-2001

SEE ALSO: OBITUARIES

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By Rosemarie Bernardo
rbernardo@starbulletin.com

Diane Young Galus "taught me that there was always more to learn, more to do, more to achieve," said her sister Pamela Young.

"There was nothing in life that held her back," said Young, a news anchor at KITV-4, who noted that her sister, blind since birth, served as a role model for many others.

At the One Kalakaua Senior Living building, where she lived, Galus inspired others by her actions, showing people that "they could overcome their problems," Young said.

Galus died Sunday at Queen's Medical Center. She was 57 years old.

Galus was born in Honolulu on March 26, 1944.

She studied at the Diamond Head School for the Deaf and Blind under Mabel Smythe. She later earned a bachelor's degree in history at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Galus moved to Michigan, then Pennsylvania, where she obtained master's degrees in history and sociology.

Galus was fluent in French, Mandarin and Japanese. Moreover, she contributed to several literary journals.

Galus moved to New York where she became a computer programmer at the Chase Manhattan Bank in New York City. Later, she returned to Hawaii because of health problems.

Galus believed in volunteer services for the community, said friend Ann Ito. She served on the advisory board for the Ho'opono Center for the Blind, Library for the Blind & Physically Handicapped, and March of Dimes.

"She was so brilliant, capable and independent, despite multiple physical challenges," said Gere Masumoto of Ho'opono.

She also loved the arts, supporting the Honolulu Symphony, Hawaii Opera Theatre and MENSA.

Galus is survived by her father, William W.H. Young, sisters Virginia Young and Pamela Young Sprinkle, brother-in-law Gary Sprinkle and nephew Paulo.

Private services were held yesterday.