Diane Michaud

Diane Marie Pierce-Michaud, 74
Born in Elko Nevada to father William “Bill” E Pierce and mother Betty C Frentzen and lived there until the age of 3. She was raised riding and working cattle on the family ranch in Catheys Valley CA where her father taught her the meaning of hard work, and her mother taught her the value of a person’s integrity.
Diane held degrees in journalism and fashion merchandizing, and transitioned into a successful career in human resources spanning over 40 years of which approx 10 years were with Bullocks Stonestown, San Francisco CA, followed by approx 30 years with Memorial Hospital, Sutter Health in Modesto CA as a labor relation specialist for several hospitals. Diane was well loved by her “work” family which can be attributed to her successfully fostering trust and respect across all multi-level personnel. She would listen to anyone. She was a mentor to all.
Diane married Richard R Michaud of Santa Clara CA in 1977 and immediately became a cherished member of his immediate and extended family. They made their home in Cupertino CA until moving to Le Grande CA in 1987; and eventually retired to Big Fork MT in 2017.
Diane loved all aspects of nature from the tiniest creatures in the animal kingdom to the largest of the redwood trees and mountains. Yosemite CA and Lake Tahoe NV were two of her favorite places and she immediately fell in love with Big Fork MT the moment she saw it. Although she didn’t much enjoy cooking she was definitely a fan of fine dining with dessert being her favorite course and often said “dessert is meant to be eaten first“. She appreciated architecture, fashion and the art of accessorizing, and loved lounging by the pool with a morning cup of coffee or a chilled afternoon beverage or a glass of wine, and was an avid reader who enjoyed browsing magazines, and reading historical and biographical writings. Family often teased her method of reading a magazine which was from back to front.
She is preceded in death by her parents William E Pierce and Betty C Frentzen. She is survived by her beloved and devoted husband of 44 years, Richard R Michaud of Big Fork MT, sister Catherine A. Pierce Ragghianti of Catheys Valley CA, two sisters-in-law Marlene M Michaud of Sommersworth NH, and Jeannie Michaud Futrell of San Jose CA, as well as two nieces, two nephews, 2 great nieces and 1 great, great nephew.
Diane was a well loved and respected member of her family, and will be sorely missed by family and a seemingly endless list of friends and neighbors, but never forgotten.
Services will be held at a date, and place to be determined.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Diane Michaud, please visit our floral store.