Diane Burgess

Diane Ruth Burgess, age 69 of Dryden passed away Friday, August 22, 2025 surrounded by her family at home. She was born June 2, 1956 to Kenneth and Ruth (Wilson) Gabrielson in Detroit. Her family moved from Detroit to Warren in the 1960’s. After graduating from Charles S. Mott High School in Warren, she attended the Center for Creative Studies and Wayne State University for Interior Design and Drawing. Diane had a great eye for design and a passion for plants. She started working in the floral industry as a Floral Designer. Over the years she worked at several flower shops including Lee’s Florist in Centerline, The Flower Gallery and Gifts in Washington Twp, and Blumz Florist in Ferndale. Diane continued her studies and received a Master Gardener certification. During her career she competed in the MFA Floral Designer of the Year contest several times and was awarded first place in 2010.

Diane met Dennis at a friend’s house in her senior year of high school. They fell for each other and were married April 30, 1977 at Christ Church on Jefferson Avenue in Detroit. They were married for 48 years and have two daughters.

Diane was incredibly creative and equally stubborn! She enjoyed drawing, painting, and creating extraordinary pieces of art out of ordinary items. She loved the outdoors, being in the sun, watching the stars, a good bonfire, and a cold beer. Diane’s hobbies included gardening, reading, relaxing at the beach, doing puzzles, playing pranks and spending time with her family, especially her grandson Wallace. She instilled her love of nature, puzzles and art into her daughters. She shared her creativity and her mischievous humor with everyone in her life, and she loved everyone just as they were.

Diane leaves her loving husband Dennis Burgess of Dryden, her two daughters Kari (Brendin Dittman) Burgess of Texas, and Cassie (Michael) Dillon of Texas, her grandson Wallace Dillon of Texas, her siblings Tommy (Nancy) Gabrielson of Goodrich, and Carolyn (Glenn) Burgess of Dryden, her sisters-in-law Evelyne (David Fox) Russell of Sterling Heights, and Vanessa (Donald) Montroy of Dryden, as well as many nieces and nephews. She also leaves her dog Karlee.

She is proceeded in death by her parents and parents-in-law, brother Kenneth Gabrielson II, and her brother-in-law Larry Burgess and Larry’s wife Lynn.

Please share a story or photos on the Memory Page for Diane at www.muirfh.com. Memorial Donations can be made in Diane’s name to the Dow Gardens (Midland, MI) or the Detroit Institute of Arts.