Diane Kay (Oberlin) Lagerstrom of Petoskey Michigan passed away on her own terms, May 20, 2019, after a courageous battle against the Non-Hodgkin lymphoma that claimed her life. Her career in nursing and the love for her family helped her make the decision to stop treatment when it was apparent that it was not working, so she could spend her remaining days peacefully with her beloved daughters, Andrea and Kelsey. Diane grew up in Ohio with her three siblings and went to college earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing at Bowling Green University and a master’s degree in nursing at Wayne State University.
Her compassionate nature compelled her to seek a career in a profession where you could help others because she always put the needs of those around her before herself. Her nurturing nature was evident in her love of gardening, baking, sewing, and the gentle way she had with animals. During her 40 year career, she worked at various health institutions including the health department, Hospice of Little Traverse Bay, Lockwood McDonald Hospital, Living Room Adult Day Center, and McLaren Northern Michigan.
Many local nurses knew her as an instructor at NCMC, the community college, where she instilled in them the same passion for nursing that she had. She was always ready to lend a helping hand if her students were struggling, her reassurance giving them strength, and her smile the encouragement to continue on. Diane was one of the most sincere, caring, selfless and truly genuine people that you could meet.
Her greatest joys were her family and friends. When her grandchildren, Audrey and Corbin, were born, her universe was complete. Her daughters were her world and her grandchildren its axis.
She loved spending time with them, doing projects or bringing them to the lake to hunt for Petoskey stones, play in the sand and splash in the water. She treasured the simple things in life and loved those around her with all her heart. Her legacy lives on in her family for they are her most treasured garden: My Mother kept a garden, A garden of the Heart.
She planted all the good things That gave our life its start. I am my mother’s garden, I am her legacy. I hope today she feels the love Reflected back from me.
Diane is survived by her daughters: Kelsey Lagerstrom and Andrea (Ryan) Fettig; her parents: Jack and Jean Oberlin; her grandchildren: Audrey and Corbin Fettig; her siblings: Linda (Jeff) Maag, Gary (Karen) Oberlin, and Jeff (Chris) Oberlin; her aunts and uncle: Elaine Starr (who was like a sister), Joanne Gardiner, and Harold Otis; and her many nieces and nephews. Friends and family wishing to make a charitable donation in memory of Diane are asked to please consider Hiland Cottage Hospice House in Petoskey. The staff at Hiland Cottage truly gave such wonderful care and loving support during this difficult time and we cannot thank you enough.
At this time, per Diane’s request, no memorial service will take place. Donations may be made to: Hiland Cottage 360 Connable Avenue, Petoskey MI 49770 Tel: 1-231-487-3500 Web: www. mclaren.org/nmf/MakeaDonationnmf.
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