Diane DeSchryver, 73, of Boyne City, Michigan, died Wednesday, June 27th at Hiland Cottage Hospice House in Petoskey after a brave, but short-lived, battle with lung cancer. Father Dennis Stilwell of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church will celebrate her funeral mass, and burial will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Boyne City. Diane was born April 25, 1945 in Detroit, the son of Robert and Marie Workman.
She grew up in Detroit, attended Denby High School, and graduated from the University of Michigan. On April 29th 1966, she married Dennis DeSchryver in Detroit. They had two children and moved to Boyne City, where they shared in the milestones of a loving and caring family for the rest of her life.
Diane’s unwavering faith in God and humanity was the foundation of her family, personal, and professional life. She modeled strength of character and unconditional love to those around her. She recognized the inner light in everyone she met, and lived the teachings of Christianity as a true servant of the Word.
Diane committed most of her career in service to St. Matthew’s parish as its administrative assistant for more than 25 years. After retirement, she remained active in the parish as a volunteer and committed parishioner, and was especially dedicated to the church’s free trade initiative that supports the development of sustainable third world businesses. In recent years, Diane’s passion was her grandchildren.
She would regularly travel to be with them as they grew up in school, sports, music, and into young adults. She was never happier than when her children, their spouses, and her grandchildren would visit her in Boyne City. She particularly enjoyed the Boyne City Fourth of July celebration and her family would regularly share in her love for the festivities.
Diane also enjoyed travel with Dennis, including recent trips to Germany and Ireland. She treated her friends as family, and valued their closeness in both good times and bad. Diane also showed a great love for dogs, and enjoyed caring for several special pets over the years.
Diane is survived by her husband Dennis; her children Karen (Andrew) Bylski and Michael (Jamie) Deschryver; her grandchildren Noah, Jared, Gabrielle, Elyse, and Audrey; her brother Robert; and a number of other loving relatives and close friends. Visitation will take place at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Boyne City on Monday, July 2nd from 10:00 AM to noon, followed immediately by a funeral mass and luncheon. Committal will follow the mass at Maple Lawn Cemetery.
The family suggests that memorial donations be provided to: The American Cancer Society online at goo. gl/A7BV8N or via check payable to the American Cancer Society, 1755 Abbey Road, East Lansing, MI 48823 or Building Bridges of Hope online at www. bbohdr.org/donate.
html or via check payable to BBOH, BBOH Main Office, 54 Coyote Court, Pinckney, MI 48169.
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