Ms. Dianne Lee

In Loving Memory Of; Dianne Lee was born on May 15, 1953 in Detroit, Michigan, the second of four children of Mary Arlene and Frederick Lee. She attended Detroit Public Schools and graduated from Northern High School in 1971. From a young age it was very clear that Dianne was eager to become a successful, independent woman. After high school, Dianne attended Wayne State University and earned her Associates Degree in 1973. After college, Dianne worked in her field of choice while she pursued her dreams of becoming a Registered Nurse. She worked in the medical field as a Certified Medical Assistant and a X-Ray Technician. With Dianne’s ambitious nature, hard work and admirable determination, it was clear that the medical field was a perfect fit for her as she was a natural. Due to her proven track record of success, work ethic, and dependability in her blossoming career, the lead physician of her employer’s medical practice offered Dianne a full-ride scholarship to any medical school of choice. Before Dianne could accept her scholarship, an unfortunate accident caused her to become permanently disabled in 1980 ending her career. Throughout the years, she overcame many unfortunate obstacles, but continued to persevere meeting and exceeding her goals including becoming a mother of two children. She was the first person in her immediate family to successfully purchase a home and become a homeowner. She purchased and drove some of her favorite cars, including one of her personal favorites, a fully loaded 1974 Pontiac Grand Prix. Dianne enjoyed many things including gardening and landscaping her property, and was known for keeping a well manicured lawn. She loved the holidays, with her favorite being Christmas. She especially enjoyed decorating the inside and outside of her home with Christmas decor, and often purchased customized ornaments. She loved to shop and decorate her home and spent many years shopping from sunrise until sunset alongside her beloved sister Sherry, who proceeded her in death, and with her daughter Darian. Dianne was recognized and admired for her cooking, as she cooked for her family and friends on many occasions. She enjoyed the looks upon people’s faces as they enjoyed and complimented her culinary gifts. Her meals were regarded as so appetizing and appealing, that she was often asked to cook and bake cakes for her admirers. She was often referred to others to purchase her delectable soul food and tasty deserts. Although she loved soul food, her favorite savory snack that she was known for were her Lay’s Original Potato Chips with a refreshing cold Pepsi. She was passionate about music, and enjoyed dancing and listening to Motown classics, old school R&B, smooth jazz, pop, hip-hop, and even rap. She was often regarded as “hip” by youth and her children’s friends growing up. She loved technology and spent time on her tablets, iPhones and on social media. Dianne’s favorite sport was basketball. She enjoyed watching and attending many Piston’s games, and wore and owned lots of her favorite team’s memorabilia. She had a love for dogs and cared for three Chihuahuas named Reno, Penny and Simon for 14+ years until they were laid to rest in 2018. Dianne was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2011, and after completing radiation therapy in 2012, her cancer went into remission. In late 2019, she was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Soft Palette. After an aggressive battle including chemotherapy and another round of radiation, the cancer weakened her heart, and ultimately took her life. Dianne was regarded as a strong woman by many, and stood as a motivation to others. She was a very loving woman and would give the shirt off of her back to assist someone in need. In times of despair, she walked in her faith in the Lord, and always knew the right words to say to someone needing comfort. She was a funny, honest, and loving sister, mother, grandmother, and friend. Dianne persevered through many robust obstacles and managed to be resilient. She smiled to see another day to live amongst her children and grandchildren, as her children’s happiness and wellbeing were always her top priority and motivation.

Ms. Dianne Lee

May 15, 1953 - January 23, 2020