Diane Breeden left her earthly home on Thursday June 27th after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Diane departed surrounded by her husband Jim Breeden, and her son, Rodney Bland and daughter-in-law, Pam.
Diane was born October 11, 1945 to Johnson and Marilene Irwin. She was welcomed into the family by her brother, David. Joining this family a year later was her younger brother, Dennis. These three siblings had a close and loving relationship throughout their lives.
Diane was predeceased by her little daughter, Sandra Kay Bland who died at age 3 in 1969. Also predeceasing her were her parents Johnson and Marilene Irwin, and her beloved brother, Dennis, who died suddenly in September 2022.
Diane is survived by her husband, Jim Breeden, and son, Rodney Bland (Pam). She also leaves behind grandchildren Zachary Bland, Nathaniel Bland (Angie), and Jessica Lehmkuhle (Matt), and great granddaughters Anna Jayne and Everlee Grace Lehmkuhle. Her brother, David Irwin (Lynn) and sister-in-law, Loretta (Dolly) Irwin will miss her immensely, as will her niece, Brook Irwin Leach, and nephews, Jason and Brent Irwin, as well as many great nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind stepchildren Megan and Alex Breeden of Ft. Collins, Colorado, and step grandchildren Brittany Balduf, and Elizabeth Clark of Ohio.
Diane leaves a large void for those left behind, but she will lovingly be remembered for her hearty laugh, sense of humor, and her loving and strong faith and personality. She radiated joy and truly loved life. Her family brought her great joy, and her faith grew and was firmly established. A happy recent memory was a trip “down Memory Lane” with her husband and siblings, as she thoroughly enjoyed visiting her heritage of homes, schools and church in northwestern Ohio. One night on this little excursion, her brother Dave put on some 60’s music which Diane loved ~ she got out of her wheelchair and danced with abandon!
One of Diane’s favorite sayings is:
“If I die tomorrow, I’ll be with the LORD. If I live tomorrow the LORD will be with me. Either way, I belong to HIM. And I can never thank HIM enough for staying by my side through thick and thin.”
A Celebration of Diane’s Life will be held on Saturday, July 6th, with visitation at 10:00AM and service at 11:00AM at The Family Church, Ebenezer Campus, 5166 Ottogan St., Holland, MI 49423.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made out to Hospice of Holland.
Comments