Diane Evelyn (Dunn) Desmond

Diane Evelyn Desmond died peacefully at her home on December 16th at the age of 75.  Since the spring of 2015, she courageously fought her battle with brain cancer.  Diane was a loving Wife, Mother, Nana, Sister and Friend to many and will always be remembered for her warmth, kindness and love of all creatures great and small.

Diane was born in Syracuse, NY on April 21st, 1941.  She married Bob Desmond on October 7, 1968 in Detroit, Michigan; they celebrated their 48^th anniversary this year.  She graduated from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Art Education.  She loved all facets of the Arts, from theater to painting, and started her career as an Art Teacher.  After several years, she moved to the corporate world with IBM as an Education Services Representative.

After marrying Bob her primary focus moved to loving and raising her 5 children: Bobby, Brigid, Noah, Adam and Jocelyn.  She also volunteered endless hours to many charitable organizations.  While living in Barrington, IL she was instrumental in leading the ‘Art in the Barn’ annual fundraiser where the funds helped build Good Shepherd Hospital.  After moving the family to Mequon, WI, tennis became her passion; she loved to watch, play and organize tournaments for the sport.  She was most proud of her work chairing the Milwaukee Tennis Classic.  

She and Bob made their last move to Reynolds Plantation in Georgia to enjoy warmer weather and outdoor activities year round like gardening and tennis.  It didn’t take her long to get involved in multiple charities and social groups: Garden Club, Book Club (The Bookies), Bocce, Tennis Team, Gourmet Dinner Club, Opus and Bible Study.  She continued her fundraising work by helping to build the Christ our King and Savior Catholic Church.

She is reunited with her family in heaven, her parents Noresta Bourne (Porter), William Dunn, Douglas Bourne and her son-in-law, Stephan Els.

Diane is survived by her husband Robert Desmond (“Bob”), children; Robert Jr (Liz), Brigid Turrittin (Tim), Noah, Adam (Julia) and Jocelyn Els (the late Stephan). Her grandchildren; Carli, Page and William Turrittin, Maggie, Clay and Robby Desmond, Stephan Louis and Hannes Els. Her sisters Carol Miller (John) and Gerry Frankoff (the late Jerry).

In lieu of flowers/gifts, Diane requested that donations be given to her grandson’s education fund, Hannes and Stephan Els, who lost their father earlier this year.  Donations can be made at http://go.fidelity.com/7qgf  Or you can make a donation check payable to Fidelity Investments and mail it to:  Fidelity Investments, P.O. BOX 770001, Cincinnati, OH, 45277-0015.  The Fidelity 529 account number is 617923362, Johannes Els account but the funds will go to both boys for their college education.

The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the wonderful neighbors, friends and family that supported her and whose prayers gave her amazing strength.  They would also like to thank the medical staff at Harmony Hospice who took good care of her and special mention to Betty Jones, her dedicated caregiver who spent numerous hours with the patient she referred to as ‘Lady Di’.

In Michigan, the family will receive friends and family on Thursday, December 22nd from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at A.J. Desmond & Sons, 2600 Crooks Rd., Troy (between Maple and Big Beaver) and Friday, December 23^rd at 10:00 a.m. for a service followed by procession and burial.

In GA, a memorial service will be held Thursday, December 29th at 3:00 PM at Christ Our King and Savior Catholic Church, 6341 Lake Oconee Parkway, Greensboro, GA.

McCommons Funeral Home, 109 W. Broad St., Greensboro, GA, 706-453-2626, is in charge of local arrangements.  Visit us at www.mccommonsfuneralhome.com to sign the online register.

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