Diane Lynn Gaskin's Obituary
On the afternoon of November 19, 2022, Diane Lynn Gaskin peacefully passed from this life surrounded and supported by her loving family.
Born and raised in Grand Haven, MI through the union of Eleanor Verway and Robert Heinz on April 3, 1953. It is no secret that Diane was a strong, determined, and fiercely independent woman. She had a tenacity which meant she could do anything she set her mind to. She loved sewing, reading, and gardening. Diane was a fully devoted mother to her 2 daughters, Tammy Whitener and Lisa Reid.
After responding to a personal ad in the Tribune newspaper back in 1991, Diane met and fell in love with her lifelong partner, Tony Fordham, who unfortunately left this world unexpectedly on August 21, 2022.
Diane and Tony loved sleeping on the boat, camping with their dog Lillie, and hosting their annual Coast Guard party.
Lovingly remembered by her two daughters, Tammy (Ken) Whitener of Muskegon and Lisa (Dan) Reid of Spring Lake; beloved “Nannie” to nine grandchildren: Brittanie Drummond, Tiffanie (Jeromy) McCleary, Stacia Gaskin, Benjamin Freed, Alexis Freed, Kaleb Whitener, Amanda (Graham) Arnold, Brendan Reid and Emma Reid; twelve greatgrandchildren (and one due in March); four sisters: Edna (Duff) Duer, Charlene Rosso, Carol (Steve) Peirson and Debbie (David “D.J.”) Jannenga; two brothers, Robert Heinz, Jr. and Charles (Donna) Heinz; and closest friend Sue (Dave) Elnick and John Wozniak; and dog Lillie and cat, C.J.
Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Eleanor Heinz, her brother, Carl Heinz, and grandson, Nicholas Reid.
While Diane’s friends and family grieve her loss, they are choosing to remember Diane in a way that honors her spirit. Diane specifically requested a very light-hearted Celebration of Life with a request of nobody wearing all black. After the significant and unexpected loss of Tony, Diane continued to maintain her sense of humor, as usual.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 3, 2022, at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. Memorials to Heaven Can Wait Animal Haven, www.heavencanwaitmi.org are appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com.
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