Diane Justine Cottongim

Diane Justine Cottongim went home to Jesus on January 10, 2020, at age 81.

Diane was born to Edwin and Betty Poirier on March 19, 1938 in Detroit, Michigan. As a child, she cared for her brothers and sister while her father served in the military during WW2 and her mother worked. As a teenager, she went to work to help her parents support their family. Her favorite past time outings were going to the movies for a nickel and seeing plays. She loved cooking and baking cakes, Christmas cookies, and finding new recipes to add to her collection.

Diane met her husband, Fred Cottongim, October 1955, at a Halloween party she hosted in her home. It was love at first sight for both of them! They married 3 1/2 months later and went on to have 2 children, David and Linda. Later in her life, both Diane and Fred took guardianship of 2 children, their great nephew and great niece, Evan and Jeanette Downard. Evan and Jeanette came to live with Diane and Fred as babies and immediately they became their children who they loved and cared for as their own.

In addition to being a dedicated and loving mother, Diane, throughout her entire life, held an unwavering love and faith in God, which she shared with those who surrounded her. She was faithful in prayer for her family and friends and she always filled the room with good intensions.

Diane was passionate about her baking, crafts, and working side by side with her husband, in their horse business. Later in her life, Diane was a full time nanny for three children, helping raise them from infants to their teens. She was always selfless with wonderful acts of kindness.

Diane is celebrating her new life in Heaven with her husband, Fred Cottongim, her parents and all of her loved ones who passed on before her. She is survived by her 4 children and their spouses, David Cottongim and spouse Michael Lesser, Linda Ellison and spouse Steve Ellison, Evan Downard, and Jeanette Downard. Her two brothers, Gilbert and wife Linda Poirier, Greg Poirier and his loving partner Tracy Bennett. Her sister Rosalyn Jones. Her grandchildren, Jason and wife Lisa Hough, Desiree and husband George Vadney. Her great grandchildren, Michael Hough, Kayla Hough, Yasmin Hough, and Logan Vadney.


Psalm 91:11
“For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.”


Exodus 23:20
“See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.”

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