Marjorie Diane Simonsen

Marjorie Diane Simonsen was born on November 4,1937, in Kansas City, Missouri to Robert and Louise (Swearingen) Huston. Diane Huston and Francis “Fritz” Simonsen attended different Minneapolis high schools and met at church, became friends, and married on June 26, 1959.

Diane worked as a hostess for Braniff Airlines on the DC7s and enjoyed serving others and traveling. Upon her marriage, according to airline policy, she resigned from this position. She worked for the phone company in Chicago, then stayed home when her children were young. She worked for Imprint Products using dual mounted cameras to test photo finishing processes. Diane began working for the New York City YMCA in 1984 and retired from the YMCA after serving as a human resource professional. As a strong and dedicated woman, something she proudly traced back through the generations of women in her family before her, she opened career pathways for others, but Diane’s main love and calling was being a wife, mother, and grandmother.

Diane was a loving wife and devoted herself to Fritz’s care for nearly 67 years. They were blessed by and are survived by three children, Stacy Lynn Siegele (Steve), Virginia Lee Carlton (Stephen), Christy Lou Renjilian (Bob); six grandchildren Teresa Mears (David), Clara Siegele, (Mark Montague), Joe Siegele (Mallory), Morgan Carlton (Bo Hu), Justin Renjilian (Lydia), and Jessica Renjilian; and great-grandson, James Montague. Diane is also survived by her sister, Lynn Huston; nieces, Jennifer and Rebecca Houghtaling; and cousins.

Whether working with a mother of twins group, serving as a Girl Scout leader, or spending a week at YMCA Camp Gorham family camp hiking and canoeing, Diane loved helping others. She was never happier than when she was with her family, especially at special events like graduations and weddings.

After moving to Blairsville in 1995, Diane found time to renew her interest in sewing. Diane enjoyed sewing dresses for her daughters when they were growing up and also sewed clothes for her grandchildren. In her retirement, she made many beautiful quilts including Quilts of Valor for local veterans. Diane became a member of the Misty Mountain (MMQ) and Pieceful Mountain Quilters Guilds. She served as president of MMQ helping to arrange quilt shows and annual member retreats. Diane enjoyed making special quilts for the grandchildren as they each went off to college. Diane learned to make baskets at the John C. Campbell Folk School and taught dozens of people how to make baskets at FUMC’s OASIS.

By serving as a car host for the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, Diane shared her appreciation for the area with both residents and visitors. She was an active member of the Blairsville Methodist Church and helped with Robinnettes and the annual fall festival. Her faith was an important part of Diane’s life, and she strove to live by it each day. Music was central to her faith and life. She enjoyed singing with her family in the car, around the campfire, and with the church choir.

Diane also loved to travel, and after retiring, she and Fritz traveled to Panama, Alaska, Europe, and China. She enjoyed the annual time spent on Hilton Head Island, especially when the “Bridge Group” or family joined them. Diane loved to share her home with family and friends and was thrilled when the house was full of laughter, dominos, and bridge games.

Diane’s legacy is her family and her volunteer work. Her talent for teaching others a new skill and helping young people grow had a lasting impact.

In recognition of Diane’s love of her family and contributions to empowering strong women, in lieu of flowers donations may be made to YMCA Camp Gorham (265 Darts Lake Rd, Eagle Bay, NY 13331), or your local Girl Scout council.