Diane Kathleen Silkworth

Died January 9, 2024

Diane Kathleen Silkworth, 77, peacefully passed away on January 9, 2024, surrounded by her loving family at her house on Lake Leelanau. That morning, prior to her death, Diane listened to soft guitar and singing from a group of ten family and friends. During the prior evening, Diane cheerfully watched the Michigan football triumph—a family tradition. Born on April 29, 1946, in Battle Creek, Michigan, Diane was the cherished daughter of Viola and Marshall Douglas. As a child, she loved waiting by her farm country roadside to watch Roy Rogers arrive with his horse wagons when in town for a parade.

Diane’s passion for education led her to earn a Bachelor of Arts Education from Western Michigan University. She dedicated her career to nurturing young minds as an elementary school teacher at Purdy Elementary School and Hopkins Elementary School—both in Southwest Michigan. Diane’s commitment extended beyond the classroom, where she devoted time to teaching Sunday School and serving as church treasurer. A true “soccer mom” and dedicated parent, Diane was actively involved in her children’s lives, shuttling them to dance, football, volleyball, wrestling, and soccer practices in her station-wagon or van.

In 1988, Diane united in marriage with Thomas Silkworth in Ann Arbor, Michigan, sharing 23 years of love and companionship until his passing in 2011. Diane found joy in the art of cooking and baking, creating elaborate meals for friends and family. Her attention to detail extended to the table settings, where she transformed every meal into an unforgettable dining experience. Diane’s love for festive occasions was evident in her beautifully decorated home, adorned for every holiday, providing a warm and welcoming environment.

Diane loved connecting with people. She generously shared her cooking skills, mentoring for groups of young ladies as her children and friends grew into young professionals. She and her husband, Tom, cherished their time at Dick’s Pour House in Lake Leelanau during the 80s and 90s, creating lasting memories with friends. Diane’s passion for genealogy led her on a journey of discovery into her family’s history regarding Clan Douglas of Scotland.

In Diane’s later years, she found solace and community at St. John’s Church in Lima, Ohio, where she embraced her Catholic faith. In the last year of her life, when boldly facing health issues, Diane, from her hospital bed, loved to intently study faces of health care workers soon grinning and giggling. Although elderly, Diane had a strong heart and—if holding your hand—a vice grip.

Diane was blessed to have gentle, skilled, and protective caregivers from Comfort Keepers (Traverse City), Absolute Home Care (Kalamazoo), and the former Munson Home Care (Traverse City). When in Ohio, Diane hired caregivers of her own and named them, “Team Straight A’s”. Diane was preceded in death by her wonderful caregiver, Brandy.

Diane had last rites from Father Ben of Saint Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Lake Leelanau, Michigan.

Diane is survived by her children: Peter Salerno, Michael (Kelly) Salerno, Benjamin Salerno, Jonathan (Ana) Silkworth, and Mary (Matt Fitzke-Loll) Salerno; her siblings: Jim (Barbara) Douglas and Norman ( Judy) Douglas.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Thomas Silkworth, her parents, and her son, Thomas Jonathan “TJ” Silkworth. Diane is survived by her cats Rosemary, Murphy and Sammie and her dog, Nutmeg. Diane is preceded in death by her dogs Ruffles and Blossom, and her cats Fellini, Sampson, September, Carmel and Patches.

A celebration of life for Diane will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 17 at the Martinson Funeral Home in Suttons Bay with the family greeting friends at 11:00 AM to honor the woman whose love, warmth, and generosity touched the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Leland Public Schools PO Box 498 Leland, MI 49654, St. Mary’s Church PO Box 340 Lake Leelanau, MI 49653, Saint John’s Church 222 S West Street, Lima, Ohio 45801, or Hospice of Michigan (hom.org) – as Diane was passionate about making a positive impact in her community.

Please share memories and condolences with the family at www.martinson.info Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.