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LOWELL, MI – Diane Clarice DePetro-Emmette, 82, of Lowell, Michigan, and formerly of Marquette, went home to be with her Lord on August 23, 2026.
Diane was born in Marquette on January 23, 1944, to Nicholas Phillip DePetro and Clarice Elizabeth (Glanville) DePetro. She was the third of their six children.
Diane married the love of her life, David Phillip Emmette, in Marquette. Together, they moved to Ewing, Virginia, where they raised their two sons, Charles "Chuck" and David "Dave" Emmette.
Diane loved riding horses, walking, ice skating, tending her enormous garden, canning, baking and cooking. She generously gave her time by volunteering at her sons' school, at church and as an EMT.
After her husband, Dave, was tragically killed in an automobile accident in June 1987, Diane returned home to Marquette with their younger son, Dave, to be near her family. She later attended the Northern Michigan University School of Cosmetology, where she pursued her love of hairstyling and makeup. Diane eventually found love again, marrying Charles Peltola in October 1991.
When Diane required additional care, her sons moved her to a senior care community in Lowell, where she could be closer to Dave, her daughter-in-law Cheryl and her beloved granddaughter, Josephine "Josie."
These are the facts of Diane's life.
The truth of her life was that Diane radiated sunshine, joy, generosity and love. Her love of life--and her love for people--was her defining quality.
Diane delighted in welcoming people into her home, and feeding her guests was a singular mission that brought her immense satisfaction. In Diane's home, it was simply unacceptable to proclaim, "I'm full. I can't eat anymore."
Her infectious smile, warm hugs, encouraging words, unconditional acceptance and unwavering positivity naturally drew people to her. Diane loved to dance wherever music was playing--and she always wanted to be right in the center of it. She was perpetually smiling, meeting new people and making new friends.
Diane cooked and baked on a grand scale. Her family and friends will fondly remember her potato salad, mashed potatoes, fudge, yummy bars and countless other homemade favorites.
Above all, Diane adored her granddaughter, Josie, who loved her Grandma Di just as deeply. Even near the end, Josie was still lovingly reminding Grandma to wash her hands. Josie was truly the light in Diane's eyes.
Diane is survived by her sons, Charles "Chuck" Emmette of Seattle, Washington, and his wife, Antje, and David "Dave" Emmette of Lowell, Michigan, and his wife, Cheryl; her grandchildren, Thomas and Philip Emmette and Josephine "Josie" Emmette; her sisters, Barb White, Mary DeMarse and Patricia (Dan) Benson, all of Marquette; her brother, John (Joyce) DePetro of Marquette; her brother in law Gordy LeDuc; and many other beloved nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Nicholas and Clarice DePetro, Diane was preceded in death by her husbands, David Phillip Emmette and Charles Peltola; sister Kay LeDuc; brothers-in-law, Dick Rogers, Jerry DeMarse and Phil White; and her nephews, Glenn White and Rich Rogers.
Our hearts are broken, but the joy, generosity and unconditional love Diane shared with everyone around her will remain with us always.
Friends may call at St. Michael Catholic Church in Marquette on Monday, August 31, 2026, from 9:00 am until 11:00 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am in the church, with the Rev. Emmanuel Barwuah officiating. A luncheon will immediately follow the Mass in the church hall. Burial will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Diane's memory to St. Michael Catholic Church, Baruch Senior Ministries or the Alzheimer's Association.
Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting Diane's family, where memories and condolences may be shared at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.