Diane L. Rioux

Rioux, Diane L., November 22, 2019 age 75 of Plymouth. Diane Plenda was born on July 1, 1944. Daughter of Jerry and Gertrude (Navarre) Plenda and sister to Nancy, Mary Rose, Thomas and James. Diane shared fond memories of her childhood summers at the lake spending days running barefoot and swimming. She was a student at St. Brigid’s in Detroit with a slightly older John Rioux who would later become the love of her life. Diane graduated from Mercy High School with her lifelong friends, Cheryl and Mary Ann, just to name a few. Diane went on to nursing school, a fitting profession for her nurturing spirit. She then fell in love with John Rioux and wed on May 25, 1967. They followed their wedding with an infamous month-long honeymoon where the two celebrated with friends in several destinations. Her true calling of motherhood came shortly thereafter and continued for seventeen years. In several states, through various jobs, John and Diane created a loving and nurturing, a fun and exciting, a faith-filled and family-centered life with John, Jerry, Mary Jo, Micki, Martha, Maureen and Jackie. Diane was blessed to witness each child graduate from college, marry their spouse, and see 19 of her sweet grandchildren be born. Summers were still spent on the lake, just like her childhood; this time on Lake Van Eten with her husband, children, grandchildren and friends. Fourth of July memories at the cottage are highlights of all the Rioux’s and was the time we celebrated 20 consecutive birthdays with Diane. Anyone who met Diane, was blessed with a smile that lit up the room. They heard a laughter of pure joy. These people felt welcomed, included, loved and recognized and were uplifted by her fun-loving spirit. Her children will remember their mom dancing around the kitchen and singing at the top her lungs in her car. They will remember her holding each one of their newborn babies in her warm, loving arms. They will cherish every pillowcase, towel and blanket she embroidered. Her children will carry with them, a piece of her unbreakable faith; a faith unwavered through her ten year battle with Multiple Myeloma. Diane’s grandchildren will remember the cards Gramma sent them for birthdays and holidays, and especially the clever Christmas gifts that made everyone laugh and laugh. Diane took her last breath in her home surrounded by her seven children and her loving husband, who gave her strength during her final moments. They all know she is at peace in Heaven and is now their beautiful Guardian Angel. Diane is a true blessing from God. A piece of her spirit will shine through her husband, children and grandchildren; a piece you may see when they cry from laughter or dance like no one is watching. Visitation Tuesday, November 26th, 3-9 PM at Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, 46401 Ann Arbor Road West, Plymouth (btwn Beck and Sheldon). In state Wednesday November 27th 10 AM until the 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, 47650 N. Territorial Road, Plymouth (at Beck). In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. To share a memory please use the share a memory tab on this webpage.

Diane L. Rioux

July 1, 1944 - November 22, 2019