Diane Joy Vasquez, aged 71, from Iron River, Michigan, passed away on May 7, 2026.
Born on September 12, 1954, to Kenneth and June Kosky, Diane grew up on a dairy farm in Iron River as the youngest of four siblings. Her siblings included Kenneth, Darryl, and Lynette. She was especially close to her cousins Sally and Sue, who were like sisters to her.
Diane graduated from West Iron County High School in 1972 and Northern Michigan University in 1974 with an associate’s degree in business. She met her future husband, Dante, in a book line at NMU. The couple had a daughter, Sarah, and lived in various places due to Dante’s role as a Marine officer, including Quantico, Virginia, Camp LeJeune, North Carolina—where their son, Dante Kenneth, was born—and the Marine Base in Pensacola, Florida.
Spending much of her adult life in Ann Arbor, Diane advanced in her career at the University of Michigan, eventually becoming the human resources director of operations. Her close-knit group of friends included her sister Lynette, Lynda Clewell, Sue Ressler, and Sue Bright, who remained significant to her throughout her life.
While raising her children, Sarah and Dante, in Ann Arbor, Diane was an exemplary mother, attending all her children’s and later her granddaughter Annoura’s events. She cherished time spent at Annoura’s equestrian activities.
An avid knitter, Diane adored the Green Bay Packers, owls, and elephants. Winter months were spent in Arizona with her husband and sister. She had a passion for garlic bread, dark chocolate, and cherished family gatherings. Her favorite quote was, “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.”
Survived by her sister Lynette, husband Dante, children Sarah (Neil) and Dante, granddaughter Annoura, and cousins Sally and Sue, Diane also leaves behind sister-in-law Cindy (Darryl) and numerous nieces and nephews. Special gratitude is extended to her nephew Toby for making her homecoming possible.
A graveside service is scheduled at 11 a.m. on May 23 at Rosehill Cemetery in Beechwood, Iron River Township.
— Submitted by Jacobs Funeral Home
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