1For 17 years, Diana Mirkin and her husband, Dr. Gabe Mirkin, were a familiar and beloved sight in The Villages, pedaling the multi-modal paths together on their tandem trike.
On Friday, Aug. 30, the community is invited to celebrate the remarkable life of the Village of Bridgeport at Laurel Valley resident, who passed away Aug. 12 at the age of 84.
While Diana lived a life defined by extraordinary intelligence and curiosity, many Villagers know her best for her tireless advocacy for local bicycle safety. In 2018, she served as the chair and guiding force of the Bicycle Friendly Advisory Council. Her efforts in submitting a comprehensive application helped The Villages become the first retirement community in the country to earn the prestigious Gold Level Award from the League of American Bicyclists.
She also took a hands-on approach to local safety, teaching “Bicycle Safety and Skills” at The Enrichment Academy. She dedicated her time to ensuring both new and avid riders understood Florida’s unique bike laws and the specific riding customs of The Villages, famously noting she wanted to stop riders from doing “crazy things” on the paths.
Beyond her cycling legacy, Diana’s life was an incredible adventure. Born in Singapore in 1942, she and her family were evacuated by ship just ahead of the Japanese invasion during World War II. Gabe Mirkin once wrote a column for Villages-News.com’s about Diana’s family’s struggles during World War II…