Diane was very proud to let people know that she was a native Floridian. Born in Winter Park, she was raised and lived in Orlando where she met and married James Grove, who passed away in 1994. She was the mother of three daughters, Carla Griffin Hughes of Indialantic, Karen Lynn Grove of Merritt Island, and her late daughter Sharon Grove Milich of Merritt Island, who were an important part of her life. She was proud to be the grandmother of two grandsons, Derrick Hughes of Los Angeles, CA and Michael Milich of Lake Charles, LA.
After graduating from Orlando High School, Diane went to Orlando Junior College where she earned her AA degree. She continued working with her mother in her Printing and Direct Mail Advertising Business throughout high school, college and after her marriage to Jim. After graduating from OJC, she attended Florida State University. While in Tallahassee Diane served as secretary to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, where she oversaw the re-modeling and refurbishment of the House Chamber. She also received bids for supplies and equipment for Opening Day of the 1956 house session.
Diane had a varying work record. In addition to working in the family business and the Florida State Legislature, she oversaw the publishing of a cookbook for the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Maitland, Fl and the membership directory for the Orlando Chapter of Junior Sorosis for several years. She was also Special Assistant to the Executive Director of the Florida Automotive Wholesalers Association where she was involved in membership, trade shows, and publications for over 500 members. After leaving F.A.W.A, she worked part-time as a secretary for a representative of IDS American Express.
While she lived in Orlando Diane was VERY active in social and philanthropic organizations. These include Sorosis of Orlando; Florida Federation of Women’s Clubs; General Federation of Women’ Clubs; Civic Music, her social sorority of Beta Sigma Phi; her college sorority of Alpha Omicron Pi; Ventura Country Club Safety Committee; C.E.R.T. – Community Emergency Response Team with the City of Orlando; Newcomers of Central Florida and the Episcopal Church.
Moving to Courtenay Springs Village on Merritt Island 12 years ago didn’t slow her down. She hit the ground running as she was active in many aspects of life at the Village. Her favorite legacy was starting the Fireman’s Fund. Every year she, with the help of others, collected money from the residents for the Fund. With the money she was able to collect, Courtenay Springs catered Thanksgiving meals for Station 43 and Diane was still able to present a substantial check that the Firefighters used to purchase what they needed to enhance their living environment. This tradition goes on to this day. At Courtenay she was also Chairperson for the revision of the by-laws for the Residents Association. For many years she also served as Parliamentarian for that same Association. She was also very active in promoting after dinner entertainment for the residents. She was very well known and went out of her way to make sure that Newcomers were welcomed and made to feel like members of the Courtenay Family.
Diane’s hobbies included making stained glass items and ceramics while she lived in Orlando, traveling, and reading. Perhaps her favorite things to do in the last number of years was to play games at Courtenay in the afternoon and then her beloved dominoes every night after dinner. She loved to play and to teach the game as it was the highlight of each day.
The family would like to thank every one of you who touched our mother’s life. She was truly blessed.
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