Diane Margaret DeWitt

An only child born on February 12, 1948, to the late Dorrance and Elizabeth (nee Jones) DeWitt, she grew up in West Caldwell, NJ relishing time with her cousins and trips to the shore and New York City. Equal parts cunning and charming, the stories of her getting her way are legendary.

The former varsity cheerleading captain and homecoming queen went on to own a general store in northern Vermont, led a food bank in Pittsburgh, and lived her best life in Charleston, SC, building a family and lifelong friendships along the way.

As symptoms related to Parkinson’s Disease and dementia progressed, Diane moved to Charlotte, NC to be near her son, then to American House Lakeshore in St. Clair Shores, MI to be near her daughter.

Repeating the miracle of loaves and fishes throughout her life, Diane was never happier than when she was creating a reason to celebrate out of thin air. She was present to hold all four of her grandchildren at their births and taught them to say “cheers” as soon as they were old enough to hold their own cups. Spending time with Diane often felt like you were getting away with something good. To paraphrase a fitting quote, to love and be loved by her was to feel the sun from both sides.

Diane is preceded in death by her beloved mini goldendoodle, Charlie, and her cousin Richard Bellack, and is survived by son Ed Przezdecki (Steph) and grandchildren Brooks and Lila of Charlotte, NC and daughter Jen Bingaman (Reed) of Grosse Pointe Farms, MI and grandchildren Nate (Boulder, CO), Sarah (Highlands Ranch, CO), her cousins Karen Simone, Janet Kocan (Lou), and Sharon Tannehill (Doug), and dear friends Lynn Henke and Kathe Young. She was previously married to Victor Mistove (dec. 2007) and Val Przezdecki.

Diane left behind a template for a beautiful life: Celebrate every day. Keep fresh flowers on the table. Turn on some music. Find your people and hold them close. At her request, instead of a funeral or memorial service, her family will celebrate her life in Charleston this summer. In lieu of flowers, please follow her lead by making a donation to your local food bank or supporting the performing arts.