Diana L. Dean

Filled with passion for her family and dedicated in her faith, Diana Dean lived a full and active life. She treasured her family above all else as a loving wife, attentive mother and doting grandmother. Gifted with kindness and creative talent, she leaves cherished memories that will be held close by those whose lives she touched. She will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.

In the middle of World War II, Robert and Barbara (Guy) Williams were blessed with the birth of Diana Lou on September 4th, 1943 in Jackson, Michigan. The youngest, Diana was the baby sister to brothers Jim and Tom.

Enjoying a typical childhood growing up, Diana attended the local schools where she made many friends. Always active, one of the many highlights during her high school years was being a baton twirler with the color guard. Many summer days were spent water skiing, swimming and sun bathing on the dock at her family's home on Gillets Lake. Diana’s love for eating fish probably came from her father’s fishing and summer fish fries. In the winter, using a bed sheet as a sail, she and her brothers would skim across the frozen lake on their skates.

After high school, Diana waited tables at the local Win Schuler’s Restaurant. The manager, a young man named James Dean, was quite taken with Diana in many respects. Realizing the attraction was mutual, they began dating even though Schuler’s rules forbid it. The romance blossomed and on the brisk fall Michigan day of November 30, 1963, they were married. Diana was a dedicated mother and she and Jim welcomed son Gregory into their lives, and in time, their family was complete with the birth of daughter Karen.

Always involved in the lives of her children, Diana supported them in all of their endeavors. Diana loved her children and when they began having families of their own, she was blessed to become a grandmother. Nothing could compare to the quartet of Alison, Connor, Molly and Brenna. They gave her endearing joy and she in turn became a tender and doting grandmother. Connor and Brenna affectionately called her “Mia”. Diana took every opportunity she could to spend time with each of them.

Diana balanced her role as a homemaker and wife with work outside the home all the while continuing with interests of her own. She worked as a paraprofessional from 1976 to 1988 for the Schoolcraft Public Schools before joining Portage Public Schools for a 10 year stint.

With a creative flair, Diana was an exceptional quilter. She was an active member of the Log Cabin Quilters and enjoyed the ladies of the Wednesday Cut-Ups. Diana took pleasure in traveling with her quilting friends to many shows in Kentucky, Iowa and Illinois. Diana also taught sewing through the Schoolcraft 4-H program and was active in the Ladies Library.

In 1967, Diana became a member of the Schoolcraft United Methodist Church and faith remained the center of her heart. Her giving nature made it easy for her to be active in the church community. She served as a Sunday school teacher, sang in the choir, was a camp counselor at Crystal Springs, and participated on numerous committees. A member of the "Prayers and Squares" group at church, Diana put her quilting talents to use in ministry while enjoying the group's fellowship.

Another love Diana and Jim enjoyed was their travels together taking memorable trips to Hawaii, Alaska, Nova Scotia and Mexico. Last year, they cruised through the Panama Canal. Diana loved antiquing, cats and collecting flamingos. Throughout the years, Diana acquired an esteem for the theater and especially enjoyed taking in shows in Chicago. "Phantom of the Opera", "Cats" and the opera "La Boheme" were among her favorites.

In late May, Diana exhibited symptoms of what was later diagnosed as a stage 4 brain tumor. With little time to prepare, Jim and her family rallied around her. Diana passed away peacefully at Kairos Dwelling with Jim at her side on Saturday, August 1, 2009.

Members of Diana’s immediate family include her husband James; son, Gregory (Dr. Kayla Ranger-Dean) Dean; daughter Karen (Peter) McNamara, grandchildren, Alison Mae and Molly Diana Dean, Connor James and Brenna Adele McNamara.

Visit with her family on Wednesday, August 5, 2009 from 1-4 PM and 6-8 PM at Schoolcraft United Methodist Church, 342 N. Grand Street, Schoolcraft where her memorial service will be held Thursday, August 6, 2009 at 11:00 AM. A luncheon will follow services on Thursday. Please visit Diana’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can submit a memory or photo, sign her memory book online or make a memorial donation to the Schoolcraft United Methodist Church, Kairos Dwelling or Borgess VNA Hospice. Diana’s family was cared for by Life Story Funeral Home, Vicksburg; 409 S. Main St. (649-1697).