Diane Lynn Gielniak

Diane Lynn Gielniak née Szafranski was received into Heaven on April 2, 2025 with her loving husband, Bob, by her side.

Diane, lovingly called “Nan”, was born on December 19, 1952 to Peggy and Bill Szafranski. She was the second child in a family of 9.

She is survived by her loving husband, Bob (Robert); siblings Dolly (Paul) Hunter, Bill Szafranski, Tom (Laura) Szafranski, Denise (Bob) Beale, Dawn (Rick) Cuppetilli, Paul (Cathy) Szafranski; brother in laws Bill O’Neill and Scott Miller; many beloved nieces, nephews, and grands will miss her dearly and her absence is already profoundly felt by them. In-laws; Mark (Barbara) Gielniak, Susie (Jim) Pineau, and Michelle (Allan) Hostetler.

Nan is preceded in death by her loving parents, Bill and Peggy Szafranski; sisters Donna (née Szafranski) Miller, Debra (née Szafranski) O’Neill; as well as her loving mother and father-in-law, Shirley and Robert Gielniak. Last, but not least, her faithful companions Grady and Jake.

Diane grew up in Detroit, Michigan attending St. Mary’s of Redford, graduating in 1971. The friendships she made during these years lasted a lifetime, bringing her joy.

In her youth, Nan traveled Europe and was the only sibling to venture out on her own, moving to Tampa, Florida with her high school girlfriends. She always looked forward to “The Sisters Weekend” that included her beloved mother. Three day pajama parties that always included dancing (how she loved to dance!).

She met her husband Bob while working as a pharmacy tech at Fordson Pharmacy in Dearborn, Michigan. They married on April 27, 1985, beginning their life together.

She loved her husband, Bob, and family fiercely; adored her nieces, nephews; and faithful companions, Grady and Jake. Nan was generous with her love, never holding back. In return anyone that knew Nan, loved her.

Nan’s faith was core to who she was. Her deep love for Jesus and his Mother Mary would be her source of comfort while awaiting her miracle.

Diane battled MS for a decade and a half, with her husband Bob fighting alongside her. MS left her exhausted and in pain, yet she remained steadfast in her belief that a miracle was right around the corner. Nan never lost her faith, and she remained loving until the very end. She has left all she knew with an arsenal of love, for which we are grateful.

May her memory be a blessing!

A memorial service will take place Monday, May 12th at St. Peter Catholic Church, 95 Market St, Mount Clemens 48043. Family will receive visitors starting at 9:30 am, with a Rosary beginning at 10 am, and a 10:30 Mass. Luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions either to the Father Solanus Casey Center 1780 Mount Elliot, Detroit, Michigan 48207 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 01 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.