Diane Elizabeth Clark (nee Hess)

Diane Elizabeth Clark (nee Hess), age 82, of Louisville, Kentucky and Empire, Michigan, passed away on February 28, 2025.

Diane loved her family dearly and was happiest when surrounded by her children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters, nieces, nephews, and close friends she made part of her circle. She loved her Michigan home on South Bar Lake, with Lake Michigan a short walk to a deck where she would quietly watch the sunset each night. She made her home a retreat for those who visited.

Diane had a warm personality that drew people to her. She had a talent for entertaining, decorating for the occasion and providing enough food to feed an Army. Her parties were well-attended and enjoyed. She was known for her annual July 4th party that incorporated all her party finesse, capped off with a fireworks display. Diane liked to travel, especially out West, and yearly trips to Florida to avoid the harsh Michigan winters. She was an avid University of Michigan football fan, and was ecstatic when they won the National Championship in 2023.

Her favorite activity was shopping; if shopping were an Olympic sport Diane would have won a gold medal! Her shopping savvy was appreciated for the unique and personal gifts she discovered. It also extended to the exceptional way she scattered those treasures found throughout her home. Her favorite time of year was Christmas and you’d know it as soon as you entered her home. It was a winter wonderland of trees, angels, twinkling lights, and any other holiday-related items that caught her fancy. Next to Christmas, Diane LOVED the Kentucky Derby. She attended every year for over 50 years, only missing a handful of times for other important events that landed on the first weekend in May. Everything about it was exciting. Starting with the perfect hat and outfit to people watching, picking a horse, the food, cashing a ticket…it was the expected and unexpected all wrapped up into one fun-filled day.

Diane is preceded in death by her parents, Amos and Helen Hess, and brother, Dennis Hess. She is survived by her loving children, Lori Clark (Debbie Rawn), Rob Clark (Davina), Leslie Clark; grandchildren, Jessica Clark, Nicole Belk, Dylan Clark, Dallas Clark; six great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Dave Hess (Pat), Duane Hess, Dawn Harris (David), Debbie Fraelich; and long-time companion, Tom Brancaleone.

A celebration of life will be held in Empire, Michigan on June 21, 2025. For more information, contact Lori Clark or Davina Clark.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org), 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, Illinois, 60601 or Hosparus of Louisville (hosparushealth.org), 6200 Dutchmans Lane, Louisville, Kentucky, 40205, are appreciated.