Diane Chang

Born on February 15, 1983, nearly three months premature and weighing less than two pounds, she overcame tremendous odds and entered the world as a fighter. Through her miraculous birth and the ups and downs of life, she lived with remarkable resilience, bringing joy, transformation, adventure, and humor to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Diane excelled academically and musically throughout her childhood. An accomplished violinist, she served as first-chair in the Flint Youth Symphony Orchestra, performing at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall in New York, as well as in France and the UK. Her love of music reflected the discipline, passion, and excellence that characterized everything she pursued.

She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in 2005 before receiving her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 2009. Diane dedicated her career to serving others, beginning as a dentist in Flint, Michigan, where she cared for underserved members of the community. She shared not only her clinical expertise but also her deep commitment to compassionate care from 2013-2015 as a preceptor for the University of Michigan and University of Detroit Mercy dental students during their community-based education rotations. She joined the faculty at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in the department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/Hospital Dentistry in 2016 as a Clinical Instructor, where she mentored future generations of dentists and served in pivotal roles in the General Practice Residency and integrated special care dentistry programs. She made her learners, colleagues and coworkers feel important and inspired.

Above all her accomplishments, Diane’s greatest joy was being a mother. The light of her life was her beloved son, Oliver. Everything that she did centered on his well-being and learning.

Her Christian faith sustained her throughout life, and those who knew her will remember the kindness, strength, and quiet determination with which she lived. In her last years, she traveled the world, took on challenging leadership positions at work with great courage and ingenuity, and proudly welcomed her nephew into the world.

She is lovingly survived by her son, Oliver; her parents, Tzyy-Shiou and Yueh-Shin; her sister, Joyce (Ryan); her nephew, Gus; and many extended family members, friends, colleagues, students, and patients whose lives were touched by her care, brilliant smile, tenacity, and compassion.

Visitation will be held at Muehlig Funeral Chapel, 403 South 4th Ave., Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. A celebration of her life will begin at 11:00 a.m. Following the service, a reception will be held at the funeral home. Burial will take place at 1:45 p.m. at Forest Hill Cemetery.

Though her time with us was far too short, Diane leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and love that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ele's Place, by visiting givebutter.com/ElesPlace

Online condolences may be expressed to Diane’s family by visiting www.MuehligAnnArbor.com