Diane Friend McGauran, affectionately known by her many nicknames—Fina Friend, Fina Pics, Friendly, Lady Di, Sweet D, and most treasured, Merme, the name given to her by her grandchildren—passed away peacefully on June 3, surrounded by her loved ones.
Born on August 9, 1943, in Milwaukee, Diane made Fox Point, Wisconsin, her beloved home for 50 years
Surviving her are her husband, Terry McGauran, her devoted love of nearly 59 years, and her children and grandchildren - Slade McGauran, his wife Shelley, and their children, Allie, Maggie, Lyssa, and Christopher of River Hills, Wisconsin and Christopher McGauran and his wife, Jen, parents of Connor and Jack of Lake Forest, Illinois.
Also surviving are her brother, Robert E. Friend and his wife Chris of Annapolis, Maryland and Patsy Ellsworth of Mequon, Wisconsin. Diane was predeceased by her parents Carl and Mary Jane Friend, and her brother-in-law Paul Ellsworth.
Diane had a deep passion and incredible talent for gardening and was a proud and active member of the Green Tree Garden Club and the Garden Club of America where she served many positions on the executive board over the span of 15+ years, most notably as a Judge Emeritus and Vice President.
Her loves for flowers and horticulture propagation were award winning.
Her creative talent was only matched by her culinary talent. Diane taught her culinary expertise in classes to many and continually brought joy to family gatherings and celebrations with her wonderful dishes. A lifelong animal lover, Diane adored Welsh Corgis, especially her beloved Mick & Sasha, her walking companions.
Through her grace, generosity, and artistry in both garden and home, Diane enriched the lives of all fortunate enough to know her. Her unwavering kindness, her dedication to nurturing both her family and her garden, and her ability to bring beauty into every space she touched will be remembered by all who knew her.
She made the world a more beautiful place through her creativity, her garden, her home, and most of all, her compassionate spirit. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her. Her loved ones will carry her spirit with them always, honoring her memory through the love they share and the stories they tell.
A service to celebrate Diane’s life will be held on June 24th at 2 PM at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church at 7845 N River Road, in River Hills, Wisconsin, followed by a reception at the Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to any of the following: The Garden Club of America c/o Alison Dolack, 14 East 60th Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10022 www.gcamerica..org/contribute St. Christopher's Church, 7845 N. River Road, River Hills, WI 53217 https://stchristopherswi.org/give or The Green Tree Carden Club, 10936 N. Port Washington Road, #276, Mequon, WI 53092.
