C. Dianne Robertson

All who knew C. Dianne Robertson would agree that her strength and resilience were so inspiring. She worked hard in everything she did, her family the driving force behind her tireless efforts both in and outside of the workplace. Dianne was deeply devoted to her family, and she was the sort of person who never met a stranger. She valued all people, and it showed in everything she did for those who were within her reach. Dianne leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

During the first half of the 1940s, the eyes of our nation were focused overseas as WWII raged on. While countless young servicemen and women were overseas those who remained stateside became familiar with rationing on common goods and patiently waited for the latest news from the front lines. It was during this eventful time that Charles and Elsie (Winters) Ignasias announced the birth of the baby girl they named Charon Dianne on May 3, 1945, in Piqua, Ohio. Since she was never fond of her first name, she always went by Dianne, but her father called her “Poodge.” She was the younger of two as she was joined in her family by her brother, Dennis. Since her father worked for the railroad, Dianne and her family moved around rather frequently, although it was mainly in Michigan. When she was about 11, Dianne and her family settled in Grand Rapids where they built a house on Ellsmere Street, NE. This would be the place she called home for many years of her life.

From the time she was a young girl Dianne was a bustle of activity. She was primarily a good kid, and throughout her life she always spoke of her childhood fondly. As a family they enjoyed several vacations, often traveling by rail. As a student Dianne attended school at Marywood Academy, and she then went on to college at Aquinas College. She was very social but studious as well. Faith was important to her family as Dianne was given a private education, and they also regularly attended church at the United Methodist Church.

With her education behind her, Dianne was eager for all that life had in store. She found a teaching job and taught third grade for several years. From there Dianne worked as an aide in health care for several years. For the past 26 years she worked at Walmart. Many of those years were spent working as a department manager, and more recently Dianne had been working as a cashier. This work was a great fit for her as she was outgoing and loved talking to people. Whether it was a coworker or a customer, once she found they had something in common Dianne could talk with them for hours on end.

There was never anything of greater importance to Dianne than her family. After college, she met and married Stanley Roberson, and together they raised their two children, Raleen and Charles. As a family they enjoyed camping and taking annual trips to Kings Island. They spent a short time living in Youngstown, Ohio, but returned when her mother became ill. Around the home, Dianne did the best she could as life kept her extremely busy. Their home was clean, but it was also lived in. As a mother she poured herself into her children’s education, values, and beliefs, and she was there for them whenever she was needed. Dianne was very close with her children throughout her life and much of her time was spent with them.

Over the years Dianne was someone who had many interests and was always busy. She was an avid reader, mainly of fiction and historical books, but she also enjoyed animal stories. Dianne loved her flowers and kept her gardens around the house beautiful for many years

She also loved her animals beginning when she had a bird as a child and then later had dogs. Dianne loved getting out and doing things just to get out of the house, and shopping was a favorite activity. She was able to do some traveling with her daughter, and among her favorite trips were to the mountains including her trip to Gatlinburg. Dianne also enjoyed a trip to the Wisconsin Dells. She attended Northlawn United Methodist Church, which was close enough for her to walk to. Dianne felt comfort and special there, much like an extension of her family.

All who knew Dianne would agree that she was truly extraordinary. She was from a time when people were more important than money, so at times work requirements contradicted this belief. Dianne always had a small but close circle of friends including people she met through church, work, the neighborhood and even longtime friends from her childhood. She was very thoughtful and generous, regularly giving to causes she believed in, but she also extended her love far beyond that. Dianne always had something to give when visiting someone else and was also known for making things to give to coworkers. She believed that everyone deserved little gifts to let them know how much they were valued. For the last 10 years, Dianne spread her love as a pen pal. She loved the written word, using stationary, and developing deep and meaningful relationships. Dianne was always questioning the why behind things whether it was in regards to things on a physical level or on a much deeper level. She was always so resilient, especially as she struggled with her health for several years but always managed to return to a new normal state of health until recent weeks.

With a love for others that was easy to see, Dianne Robertson was such a gift to so many. She had a great sense of humor, a strong work ethic, and a zest for life, but what was most evident in the way she spent her time was her unending spirit of generosity. Dianne treasured her family, and a friend of Dianne’s was a friend for life. Dearly loved, she will be forever missed.

C. Dianne Robertson, age 74 of Grand Rapids, passed away May 21, 2019. She is survived by her children Charles & Darice Robertson, and Raleen Rjaila. Through her career, Dianne worked as an elementary school teacher and then for the last 26 years, worked at Walmart. The service to remember and celebrate Dianne’s life will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at 1 PM at Northlawn United Methodist Church, 1157 Northlawn Street NE. There will be a time to visit with her family immediately following the service. For those who wish, her family encourages friends to follow Dianne’s example, and donate to a charitable cause in her memory. To read more about Dianne’s life, to share a favorite memory, or to sign her guestbook, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com