Diane Ellen DeHaven

Diane Ellen DeHaven, age 60, a woman whose thumbprint on this world will be felt for years to come, passed away peacefully in the morning of April 29, 2022, after valiantly battling cancer for an entire year. She spent the last year of her life surrounded by her loved ones, fighting for the rights of the terminally ill, and making peace with her lack of time. Diane was born Genevieve Shelia Elaine Loiselle on April 25, 1962 in New York City. She was raised by her parents Walter Oliver Jacobsen and Florence Leona Gilman and grew up alongside her younger siblings Darlene and Randy. On November 21, 1992, Diane married Bruce Jonathan DeHaven in Hohokus, NJ. Since then they have welcomed four incredible children into this world and have shared a lifetime of memories. Diane and Bruce moved to Traverse City in the fall of 1995 and even though she slowly lost her New York accent, she never lost her New York tenacity and wit. She was a fierce fighter and mama bear for anyone in need, often opening her home to those in need of shelter and support. She filled up a room with laughter and sparkle and always made her presence known. At the age of 40, Diane graduated from high school and soon after took several courses from NMC. She cohosted The Norm Jones' talk show and podcast for many years and was affectionately given the nickname "Hurricane Diane" because of her brashness, strong belief, and uncensored opinion. She also delivered the Record Eagle for over 10 years. Her favorite part was sending Christmas cards to subscribers and sharing the road with the night critters. In her free time, she enjoyed drinking coffee, caring for her pets (two Saint Bernards H and Milo as well as her many cats), playing scrabble with whoever would play with her, and collecting elephants and Christmas memorabilia. Diane will forever be cherished by Bruce, her husband of 30 years; Paul Bunn, her "Frem"; her children Olivia (Daniel Zlojutro), Jonathan, Charlotte (Travis Hull) and Reagan (Alec Rinko); sister Darlene (Thomas) Hardy and Randall (Sandra) Jacobsen; and the mother and father she chose for herself, Vicki and Len Harrett. Her parents Walter and Florence, Aunt Marion, Uncle Palmer, Uncle Albert Aunt Winnie, Uncle James Aunt Gloria, and Bill Harris preceded Diane in death. Diane's family wishes to express deep gratitude to Dr. Andrew Riddle, Nurse Tina, and the entire staff at Munson's Cowell Center for their exceptional kindness, as well as the entire team at Munson's wound care clinic for being some of Diane's many Cancer Warriors. The memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at 3 pm, with visitation beginning at 2 pm. Pastor Joel Brown will lead the service. Friends are invited to wear any color other than black. Diane’s personal favorite color was yellow because it reminded her of the sunshine. Now she embodies that color. Although we gather in sadness, we reflect and rejoice in happiness for knowing and loving this extraordinary woman. Diane has asked that in the spring when the Dandelions fade, that you make a wish on it with the same innocence and belief as a child. Diane also wanted to share how much it meant to her to have her friends and family reach out to her children to give them support, love, and prayers since her diagnosis. Her wish is for that to continue. Continue to love one another, check in on one another, care for one another, and keep the Christmas spirit year round.

Diane Ellen DeHaven

April 25, 1962 - April 29, 2022