Diane C. Smith, 77, of Marshall (formally Union City) went to be with our Lord in heaven on August 26^th, 2022.  Diane passed away peacefully holding her daughter’s and granddaughter’s hand, also surrounded by family during her short time at Glenn Arbor Hospice Residence.

Diane was born on October 10, 1944, in Detroit, to Charles and Leitha (Lassiter) Boertmann.

She was a 1962 graduate of Homer High School and attended college in Jackson, MI.  Diane married Roger Smith in 1963 and eventually found her place in Union City, where she raised a wonderful family, created life-long friendships, indulged in giving to the community and led a successful career.

Her early employment at Star Homes was in sales and marketing.  She continued to excel with a work/life balance at the Village of Union City, where she advanced towards a phenomenal commitment within her position(s) as Office Manager and Assisted Village Manager for over 32 years of service.  She then enjoyed her retirement in 2010.

Diane’s life consisted of outdoor fun and entertainment, arts and crafts, balancing it all, and creating memorable times with her growing family and close friends. You would also find her having endless talks with her sister.  She has always been a classy connoisseur of collectables and antiques. From always cooking exquisite holiday meals and hosting a lifetime of holiday traditions (especially Christmas) to watching her grandchildren in sports, school events, dancing, gymnastics, theatre, performances, etc.

Even with everyone’s life always busy, you could always count on “Gramma DiDi” and “Aunt DiDi” to stay in contact with a handwritten note, a shared photo(s) and FaceTime.  She was and still is the best LISTENER within the family, truly caring about everything shared. Closer to her health declining, she loved ending her nights having a jammin’ happy hour on the patio while enjoying the conversation and view.  Cheers beautiful lady!  You will be missed.

Diane leaves behind her siblings, Kathy Benjamin-Boertmann of Battle Creek and Rick Boertmann of Ann Arbor.  Her children, Tyler (Liz Schneider) Smith of Ada, David Smith of Grosse Pointe, Kim (Jeff) Cousineau of Olivet and her five grandchildren Jared Cousineau, Jaclyn Cousineau, Jay Cousineau, Alexis Smith and Roya Smith; as well as many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews she adored immensely.

Those proceeding her in death were her parents, Charles and Leitha Boertmann and brother Timothy Boertmann.

A sincere thank you to ALL the caregivers, nurses, doctors and health professionals who dedicate themselves to always caring for someone’s loved one; your contributions to humanity and kindness is appreciated.

A special thanks to Glenn Arbor Hospice Residence of Battle Creek for your sensitive care and comfort for our mom. In memory of Diane C. Smith, we simply encourage people to pay it forward by showing compassion and kindness that will inevitably touch the lives of friends and strangers alike.

In keeping with Diane’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 18^th, 2022 from 3:00-6:00 pm at the home of Jeff and Kim Cousineau, 23629 22 Mile Rd, Olivet, MI.  Everyone is welcome to share in the outdoor celebration and shared memories.

 

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Diane’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com

Cremation Arrangements were entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006.