Diane Joyce “Joy” Colombini, née Simons, passed away at the age of 67 at McLaren Hospital in Lansing, MI in the early morning hours of Tuesday, September 20, 2022. Diane was born on April 10, 1955 in Lansing to Douglas Simons and Mable (Matie) Simons. She had been living in Grand Ledge, MI, at the time of her death.
Diane served in the Army as a legal clerk and was stationed in Germany for a time. Diane was always proud of being a veteran and joined the American Legion while living in Harrison, MI. She was also a member of the Lions Club there.
All who knew Diane knew her as an artist, musician, and lover of the outdoors. While living in Traverse City, MI, she had her own painting business named Murals and More. One of her favorite artistic accomplishments was as one of the painters who touched up and repainted the decorative ceiling of the historic Traverse City Opera House, which earned her a photo in the Record Eagle. In 2017, one of her multimedia paintings was included in the ArtPrize competition and festival in Grand Rapids, MI. She shared her artistic knowledge with friends and family, and, while she never was able to complete her degree, she always wanted to formally teach art to children in schools.
As a musician, she enjoyed the acoustic guitar, electric bass guitar, and dabbled in the harmonica, cello, upright bass, banjolele and more. When she wasn’t playing something, she was singing or dancing. When she was younger, her guitar traveled with her across the country and then across the ocean to Germany. She played music in rock bands and she played around the campfire, and she shared what she knew with anyone willing to learn.
Her favorite outdoor activities included walking her dog along the ledges in Grand Ledge, camping at one of many Michigan State Parks, taking her kayak out on the water, and gardening in her backyard. She was equally happy in the woods and on the beach.
Diane placed the needs of others above her own, and would always feed those who came to visit. Often, she would pre-purchase the ingredients to your favorite meal. And she always traveled with food to share. Her love languages were food and gifts. Additionally, she had a great sense of humor. No matter the situation, she could always find something to laugh at or dance about. Diane inspired others to serve - both in the military and to those around them, she encouraged people to be themselves, she loved whole-heartedly, and it could be said that she cared too much about people at times.
Diane leaves behind her children, Ryan (& Wayne) Lakanen of Wixom, MI, Josh (& Lindy) Colombini of Fremont, MI, and Christian Colombini of Portland, OR; her grandchildren, Lilly and Damian; her sisters, Pamela (& Bill) Bauer of Eaton Rapids, MI, and Alice Simons-Mummey of Honor, MI; her much loved and spoiled dog, Treat; and many other adoring relatives and friends who will greatly miss her. She is also survived by the father of her children, James Colombini of Traverse City, MI. Diane was preceded in death by her parents; her eldest sister, Evelyn Meyers; and her beloved dog, Chance.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Diane on October 23, 2022 in the Anderson Great Hall of the Michigan Wildlife Conservancy’s Bengel Wildlife Center, located at 6380 Drumheller Rd in Bath Township, MI. The festivities will begin at 1:00 pm. Since Diane loved Halloween, feel free to come in costume or Halloween black. The celebration will be Halloween Party themed. Bring your favorite memories to share.
The family asks that any charitable donations made in Diane’s honor go to Art Reach of Mid Michigan. Diane worked there when living in Mount Pleasant, and believed in their mission. https://www.artreachcenter.org or 111 East Broadway, Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
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