Diann Gendron

NORWAY- Diann Therese Gendron age 81, of Norway, passed away on December 6, 2022 at Marshfield Medical Center – Dickinson, after a years-long battle with cancer. As with everything in her life, Diann approached her cancer journey with the optimism, strength, and bullheadedness (meant in the most loving way) that were her trademark. Diann gave her grandson specific instructions that this obituary “better be at least two columns in the Daily News” so please ready your reading glasses and get comfortable. Diann was born in Norway, MI on August 20, 1941 to the late Ralph and Viola (Zadra) Mortier, the sole daughter alongside five brothers. In 1959, she married George Gendron and went on to have three sons of her own. Some say the source of Diann’s tenacity was surviving growing up with five brothers - a trial that prepared her well to raise three rambunctious boys of her own. From wrestling moves that resulted in a dining room table broken in half (and then haphazardly bolted back together to hide the crime) to a 5-gallon fish tank mysteriously smashed and flooding the living room, Diann had many stories to regale her five grandchildren with regarding their fathers’ antics. Don’t worry, the boys didn’t tire Diann out too much - she led a very active lifestyle. Diann had a passion for raising and riding Arabian horses - something she shared with her sons and granddaughter Jessica. Diann also enjoyed bike riding, hunting, taking walks to “patrol the neighborhood”, line dancing, running, and flower gardening - she kept an amazing garden and built a nearly encyclopedic knowledge of flowers and how to care for them over the years. Diann also loved to travel, with the highlights reel including trips to Europe, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Niagara Falls, and a two-week “tent camping trip” to the Dakotas (though she admitted that several of these camping nights were spent in hotels after all). This September, Diann also fulfilled a wish to do a road trip around New England with her daughters’ in-law, Wanda and Angie, where she walked the beaches, tried a fresh oyster on the half shell for the first time (video evidence shows a less-than-favorable review), and experienced the “Hallmark fishing towns” she had long hoped to visit. Ever a fan of variety and new experiences, Diann held a number of jobs throughout her life. From lifeguard and Nora’s Groceries cashier to spending 26 years at the First National Bank of Norway, Diann sought roles that allowed her to work with people. Never one to sit still, upon retirement Diann worked seasonal jobs at Danielson's Greenhouse and Norway Mountain Ski Hill. When she wasn’t exploring new states and countries or working, Diann remained involved in her community. She served on the Dickinson County Fair Board, helped to plan the Norway Summer Celebration, led the Bit of Pride 4-H horse club, and participated in the Norway Spring Classic as a runner and later a timer. Diann’s involvement extended to her family as well. She was an encouraging and supportive fixture at her grandchildren’s’ horse shows, volleyball and hockey games, wrestling and track meets, cross country races, and so much, much more. A skilled baker, Diann kept her family well-fueled for these activities with homemade pies, pasties, and other baking creations. While we may never know the true recipes (measuring wasn’t often involved), we do know that the secret ingredient was love. She is survived by her husband of 63 years George; sons Gary (Wanda) Gendron, Glen (Stacey Schoen) Gendron, and Guy (Angie) Gendron; grandchildren Nicole (Cory) Groeneveld, Benjamin Gendron, Jessica (Jeremy) Zawada, Guy Gendron Jr, Travis Gendron, Shelly (Joe) DeClark, Christopher Rugg, Paige Skoglund, and Santana Schoen; as well as seven great grandchildren; brothers Gerald (Diane) Mortier and Leonard (Donna) Mortier; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Diann is preceded in death by her brothers Frank, Alphonse, and James Mortier. A private graveside service will be held for the family at the Norway Township Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 3:30 p.m. starting with Services and Dedication and going to 6:30 p.m. at the Dickinson Co. Fairgrounds, with food, refreshments and Live music from 4-6 p.m. Everyone is invited there will be food, drinks and a celebration of Diann's Life.

Diann Gendron

August 20, 1941 - December 6, 2022