Diane Marie Pierce-Michaud, 74
Diane Marie Pierce-Michaud passed away March 25, 2021.
Diane was born July 31, 1946, in Elko, Nevada, to father William “Bill” E. Pierce and mother Betty C. Frenzen and lived there until the age of 3. She was raised riding and working cattle on the family ranch in Catheys Valley, California, where her father taught her the meaning of hard work, and her mother taught her the value of a person’s integrity.
Diane held degrees in journalism and fashion merchandizing, and transitioned into a successful career in human resources spanning over 40 years of which approximately 10 years were with Bullocks Stonestown, San Francisco, followed by approximately 30 years with Memorial Hospital, Sutter Health in Modesto, California, as a labor relation specialist for several hospitals. Diane was well loved by her “work” family, which can be attributed to her successfully fostering trust and respect across all multi-level personnel. She would listen to anyone. She was a mentor to all.
Diane married Richard R. Michaud of Santa Clara, California, in 1977 and immediately became a cherished member of his immediate and extended family. They made their home in Cupertino, California, until moving to Le Grande, California, in 1987; and eventually retired to Bigfork in 2017.
Diane loved all aspects of nature, from the tiniest creatures in the animal kingdom to the largest of the redwood trees and mountains. Yosemite, California, and Lake Tahoe, Nevada, were two of her favorite places and she immediately fell in love with Bigfork the moment she saw it. Although she didn’t much enjoy cooking, she was definitely a fan of fine dining with dessert being her favorite course and often said “dessert is meant to be eaten first.“ She appreciated architecture, fashion and the art of accessorizing, and loved lounging by the pool with a morning cup of coffee or a chilled afternoon beverage or a glass of wine, and was an avid reader who enjoyed browsing magazines, and reading historical and biographical writings. Family often teased her method of reading a magazine, which was from back to front.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William E. Pierce and Betty C. Frenzen.
She is survived by her beloved and devoted husband of 44 years, Richard R. Michaud, of Bigfork; sister, Catherine A. Pierce Ragghianti, of Catheys Valley, California; two sisters-in-law, Marlene M. Michaud of Sommersworth, New Hampshire, and Jeannie Michaud Futrell of San Jose, California; as well as two nieces, two nephews, two great-nieces and one great-great-nephew.
Diane was a well loved and respected member of her family, and will be sorely missed by family and a seemingly endless list of friends and neighbors, but never forgotten.
Services will be held at a date, and place to be determined. Arrangements have been entrusted with Johnson-Gloschat Funeral home.