Diane Coghlin

Diane Lynne Coghlin, age 70, of Kalamazoo and Ann Arbor, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2022. Diane delighted in spending time with her family and close friends, and expressed that she felt truly blessed by their presence during her hospitalization. She approached her cancer diagnosis, and subsequent 7 year journey with strength, dignity, and grace.

Diane was born July 26, 1951 in Ann Arbor to Gail D. and Jean (Larmee) Thomas. She graduated from Pioneer High School in 1969 and earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree from WMU in Industrial Arts & Residential Home Design in 1975.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law Mark Wagner.

She is survived by her sisters Linda Wagner and Karen (Greg) Giltrow. her beloved nephews, who called her "Di Di”. Thomas (Molly) Giltrow and their son Charlie, Scott Wagner and Patrick Giltrow. She is also survived by her former husband John Coghlin, who was by her side every step of her journey, seeking out and securing the best treatment options for Diane, and helping to give her 7 precious years to spend with her family and friends.

Also surviving are an uncle an aunt and 8 cousins.

Diane was a talented artist with a flair for design, including painting, gardening, designing their vacation home and especially quilting. Her family cherishes the quilts she created for them.

Diane had a lifelong passion for, and love of, nature and animals. She was always ready to rescue and rehabilitate a wild animal when the need arose. Her love of animals and dream of raising horses led to her starting Briarfield Farm Paint Horses with John. She especially treasured her time with the newborn foals. Diane and John also founded Briarfield Farm Sanctuary, a no-kill animal sanctuary.

Diane was a kind and generous friend and was blessed with many close friends who helped her so generously throughout her illness. Her gratitude and love for her friends was boundless.

The family would like to thank Michigan Medicine's Rogel Cancer center, and oncologists Dr. Norah Henry and Dr. Erin Cobain for their extraordinary care and compassion for Diane.

The family would also like to thank Bronson Hospital, and Dr. Paul Lin and the Comfort Care team for their wonderful care of Diane and help to her family during her hospitalization.

In keeping with Diane's wishes, there will be no service: however family and friends are invited to a luncheon to celebrate her life on May 14, 2022 at noon in Ann Arbor at the home of Linda Wagner.

Forever in our hearts, soar high our beloved Diane.