"Deepest condolences to our beloved and gracious friend Dianne. She was so welcoming to my family at Temple gatherings. She will be missed by many. God Bless, Curtis, Cindy, and Noah Spake and The Strums."
Dianne Kirsch, age 77, a lifelong resident of Quincy until last year, died on Thursday, December 6, in Atlanta, Georgia.
She was born on August 9, 1941, the daughter of Max and Zelda Chanen. She graduated from Quincy High School in 1959, and maintained the friendship and respect of her classmates throughout her life, serving on the committee to plan every class reunion.
Dianne met the love of her life, Myron Kirsch, on a blind date at Union Station in St. Louis, and the couple celebrated the 60th anniversary of that event last month. They were married at Temple B'nai Sholom in Quincy in 100 degree weather on August 28, 1960.
Dianne was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend to so many. She took great pleasure in raising her three sons, and was active as PTA president at Madison School, PSTO president at Quincy High, den mother, and as a member of various nonprofit boards. Dianne was a lifelong member of Temple B'nai Sholom, where she served as board secretary and bulletin editor for many decades, sisterhood president, and many other roles. Dianne loved spending time with her grandchildren, hosting them at Camp Kirsch during the summers. Dianne was a warm, caring, and extremely capable person who so many people depended on, and she will be missed by all who were fortunate to have known her.
Survivors include her husband Myron of Atlanta and formerly of Quincy; sons Jeffrey Kirsch of Conway, Arkansas, Michael Kirsch and his wife Ilana of South Bend, Indiana, and Gregory Kirsch and his wife Lanie of Atlanta, Georgia; seven grandchildren-- Aaron, Amanda, Arielle, Asher, Eden, Eli, and Max; brother Fred Chanen of Quincy; brother-in-law Wolff Kirsch and his wife Marie-Claire of Redlands, California; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her parents-in-law David and Ethel Kirsch of St. Louis, who treated her like their own daughter; her sister-in-law Carole Chanen of Quincy; and her brother-in-law Morton Kirsch of St. Louis.
Dianne loved Quincy, and although health issues necessitated her move away last year, her heart was always here.
Services: 2:00 pm on Monday, December 10, 2018 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home with the Rabbi Alvin Sugarman officiating.
Burial: Valley of Peace Cemetery, Quincy, Illinois
Visitation: 1:00 to 2:00 pm on Monday, December 10, 2018 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home
Donations: Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org)
Website: www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.
"Deepest condolences to our beloved and gracious friend Dianne. She was so welcoming to my family at Temple gatherings. She will be missed by many. God Bless, Curtis, Cindy, and Noah Spake and The Strums."
"So sorry to hear about the loss of Dianne. I always remember seeing her and Myron when I worked at Advance Physical Therapy. We had the greatest chats and she was such a lovely woman. My condolences to Myron and the family. Brooke Spring"
"So sorry for your loss she was a beautiful and kind lady. I was always happy to see them at the club with the Graysons. Paula and Steve Forrest"
"Dear Myron and Family - so sad to hear of Dianne's passing as you were all have such a great part of our family growing up in Quincy. Condolences to all."
"Myron, We are so sorry to hear about Dianne passing. May it help to know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers."
"We are so disappointed that we're not with Myron and his wonderful family in Quincy, but our thoughts are there with you. We grieve with the loss of our very best friend. Dianne made us part of her family. She was our sister, our confidant, and our companion. Marvin and Jacque Grote"
"Dear Myron and Family, With much sadness, we say goodbye to a very good and dedicated woman and mother. Dianne always started a telephone conversation saying" I can't talk long", but then she did. We were always so happy to see you and to reminisce about times gone by. Please know we are thinking of you and remembering a very special lady, Dianne. As ever, Pat & Dick Wentura"
"Myron, old friend, so sorry to hear of Diane,s passing. You and your family suffer most,but all us who were blessed to know her wise and charitable presence have a void in our hearts this day. She was surely one our best. We shall continue to love her memory. What a lovely couple you made. We continue to hold You in our hearts, praying you find strength in your family and GOD"
"Dianne and I have been life-long friends. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. Myron and family, please accept my heart felt condolences."
"Dear Myron and children- Allen and I were so sorry to hear of Dianne's passing. We always enjoyed our times that we spent with the two of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sincerely, Sue and Allen Bierman"
"Myron, So very sad to hear of Diane's death. I have so many lovely memories of my former classmate, community volunteer, story-teller and friend. You and Diane were such an important part of Quincy's lively tapestry of life. Ned and I have missed Diane's phone calls that usually began with "I have a question..." Peace to you and your family."
"Sympathies to Myron and all the family , so sorry for your loss."
"MYRON & FAMILY WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AT THIS SAD TIME."
"Myron so sorry to hear about Diane?s passing. My parents always thought the world of the both of you."
"Dianne and Myron were my neighbors on Jersey. Always a smile, wave, or hello as we led our busy lives. I also knew Dianne quite well from her fun Roderick P Miller escapades with friends and the best were when she and Zelda came in. Dianne and Myron were wonderful people and I last saw them when I sold my Quincy house and they took me to breakfast. She was a friend to many and always helping others, rest assured she made a difference."
"My Beloved Kirsch Boys, Although I haven't seen your precious Mother for several years, I will always love her as a sister. We were always friends but became very close before Michael's and Rick's Bar Mitzvahs. We shared many laughs and tears, many miles of walking and talking, many dinners (mostly prepared by Dianne, they were delicious) and many parties, usually at our house. I will always remember her sentimental nature, her kindness, her sense of humor and her devotion to her family. Actually, she was devoted to everything and everyone whom she loved. Goodbye, Dear Friend. Love, Sandy"
"Dear Myron, Jeffrey, Michael, Gregory and families, We join the many today who are saddened to see that such a fine lady has passed away. Diane was a valuable Supporter of all things good in our schools. It was a pleasure to see her often as she volunteered her help on our high school. She and Myron were devoted to making the world for their children and others. She will be missed in family and community circles. Peace be with this fine family."
"Myron, Jeff, & the Kirsch & Chanen Families? So sorry to hear about Dianne! What a wonderful, sweet lady?& good friend of the family! My sincere condolences?Carson Kirk"
"My prayers are with you Myron and family."
"HEAVAN IS A BETTER PLACE TODAY BECAUSE ANGEL DIANNE HAS ARRIVED BUT HAR FRIENDS AND FAMILY ARE HEARTBROKEN BEAUSE WE WILL MISS HER HERE ON EARTH. OUR FAMILIES HAVE BEEN CLOSE SINCE OUR SONS, JEFF AND BRIAN, STARTED MADISON SCHOOL. I WILL ALWAYS CHERISH OUR MANY, MANY LIFE EXPERIENCES TOGETHER AND OUR SUNDAY BRUNCHES AT TONY,S TOO TO CATCH UP BEFORE THE MOVE TO GA. LOVE, HUGS , AND TEARS TO ALL ESPECIALLY DEAR MYRON."
"Maggie and I are sad to hear of Dianne's passing so soon after they left Quincy. Our condolences to Myron and their offspring. Bernie and Maggie Levy"