Diane Jo Chisholm of Saginaw, Michigan, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Wednesday, June 9, 2021, at New Hope Valley Memory Care. She was 84 years old.
Diane Jo Smith was born on September 26, 1936, in Clare, Michigan to Burr and Eva (Underwood) Smith. She was a proud 1955 graduate of Alma High School. She met the love of her life, Dwight Leslie Chisholm, while working at the Betty Barry Dress Shop in St. Louis, Michigan. They united in marriage on September 4, 1955, in St. Louis. In 1963,
Diane and Dwight became faithful and lifelong members of State Street United Methodist Church. She was employed at Delta Bus in Saginaw for many years as an Administrative Assistant. Diane later began a 20-year career with the Saginaw Bay District of the United Methodist Church, serving as an administrative assistant until her retirement in September 1998.
Diane had an eye for detail and organization, making her passion for interior design. She innately knew what was aesthetically pleasing and functional. Whether she was painting a room a different color, using different or multiple fabrics and textiles, or just rearranging furniture, Dwight would always come home from deer camp to a beautifully decorated home. Diane was a self-taught seamstress, designing and creating new pieces of clothing by blending two previously worn outfits. She could also accessorize anything with the right jewelry and purse.
Diane will leave her indelible mark on this world through her children and grandchildren and for embodying the essence of a beautiful soul with grace and class.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to staff at New Hope Valley and a special thank you to Kristy Coleman for all the love and care she provided to “Lady” and her family.
Surviving are a daughter, Darci (Skip) Hillert of Saginaw; two daughters-in-law, Yvette Chisholm of Standish; Barbara Jean Chisholm of Virginia; 14 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dwight, and her two sons, Devin and Derek Chisholm.
A Funeral Service took place on Sunday, June 13, 2021, at the W. L. Case & Company Funeral Chapel with Rev. Rob Richards officiating. Honoring Diane’s wishes, cremation followed the service.
Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Cardinal Hospice or New Hope Valley Memory Care. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home website www.casefuneralhome.com or condolences may be sent to Diane’s daughter:
Darci J. Hillert
4199 Island Dr. W.
Saginaw, MI 48603
Last Updated on October 31, 2023