Obituary of Dianne M. French

Dianne M. French, 76, of Clark Mills, NY, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, March 31, 2022. Born in Rome on September 5, 1945, Dianne was the daughter of the late John H. and Jean J. (Hayes) Lloyd. She graduated from Oriskany Central School and trained at the Utica School of Practical Nursing. Receiving her Associates in Nursing in 1981, Dianne went into her nursing career with full force, loving and serving every position she held in the Mohawk Valley region. Her career spanned hospital care, doctors' offices, nursing homes, hospice care, volunteer organizations and her most cherished and longest held, that of in-home private care. Every client she gently cared for was her “favorite”. Talk of retirement was always on her mind as she grew older, but she could never bring herself to fully stop nursing. It was her passion and the heartbeat with which she walked every day. Dianne was also an avid reader, known to frequent the local libraries, second-hand stores, bookstores, and newly found “book nooks” where she could borrow at her leisure. She also enjoyed cooking, sewing and quilting. Her collection of cookbooks and recipes would astound even the best chef. The beautiful quilts she produced blanketed nearly every family member and loved one she could get one to. One even lay waiting for her to finish on her kitchen table. Her sewing projects were endless as well! Everyone benefited from her skills and abilities. Dianne was incredibly organized and planned everything. She loved everything Irish and volunteered as the head nurse at the Great American Irish Festival for many years. Dianne was a devoted member and volunteer of the Church of the Annunciation in Clark Mills. She served as a cantor, sang with the group Exodus, and participated in Bible studies and prayer groups. She loved God with all of her heart, soul, mind and strength. Never wavering in sharing His love and compassion with those around her. From the first moment she met you, she instantly called you her “friend.” Dianne’s family meant everything to her, especially her grandchildren. She was always checking in on them and keeping up with their lives. She wanted to know everything they were doing. And, she couldn’t wait for the arrival of her newest grandbaby, little Miss Hazel Marie and being introduced to little Calvin and little Leo. Bonding with all of her grandchildren, she couldn’t wait to go to all of their activities, school sports, recitals, Church events, whatever they had going on. Family gatherings at her home, grandchildren playing games in and outside the house on those long summer days, and joining in and playing little games with Harper Rose, Lucia, Frankie, Jack, and Felix all brought great joy to her. And let’s not forget her packing up her sewing machine and being “ready to stich at a moment's notice” for family needs. She poured her laughter, her sense of humor and stubborn tenacity into everything she set her mind to. We are sure she will continue to “check in on them” from her Heavenly vantage point now. She will be dearly missed by her children, Mary Janak of MD, Theresa and Mark Waterman of New York Mills, and Aaron and Shelley Stottlar of Ilion; her ten beloved grandchildren; eight cherished great-grandchildren; her step-children, David and Melissa French of Utica, Michael and Jennifer French of Utica, Linda French of NC, Patricia French of NC, Leslie and Eric Seidman of CT and Elizabeth French of Dominican Republic; her brothers and sisters-in-law, James “Chris” and Sandra Lloyd, Robert Lloyd, and Patrick and Maria Elena Lloyd; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her loving husband, James B. French. All are invited to call from 10-11am Friday, April 8, 2022, at Church of the Annunciation in Clark Mills. A Mass of Christian Burial with be celebrated at 11am at the church. She will be laid to rest at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Arrangements by Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in her memory to the Rome Humane Society. The family thanks NYS Troopers Aubertine, Haynes and Perez for their caring assistance during this difficult time; Onondaga County Medical Examiners staff, especially Matt Kelly, for the kindness shown to the family and the gentle care given to their mom; and all the first responders for their efforts. Your kindness and compassion are a comfort to the family.