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DIANNE JAMES Obituary
DIANNE MARIE JAMES
Passed away peacefully on April 2, 2019 with her loving husband by her side. She was born March 1, 1948 in The District of Columbia to Domenick, Jr. and Kathleen Panzone. In 1968 she wed Ford E. James, Jr. and remained married for 51 years. Together they raised two sons, Douglas (Cari) and Jeffrey (Colby). Dianne was a wonderful grandmother to four grandchildren, Nathan, Andrew, Abigail, and Evelyn. Dianne is survived by sisters Linda and Joanne (Brad), many nieces and nephews, a host of other relatives and many friends. Dianne invested her heart and soul into her family, always considering others before herself. Visitation will be held Sunday April 7, 2019 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Blvd. West, Silver Spring, MD 20901 (Valet Parking). Mass of Christian burial at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 6701 Muncaster Mill Road, Derwood, MD 20855, on Monday April 8, 2019 at 11 a.m. Interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery immediately following mass. Memorial donations on her behalf may be made to one of Dianne's favorite charities, The Children's Inn at NIH, (childrensinn.org).www.COLLINSFUNERALHOME.COM
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
LINDA A. PANZONE
March 30, 2025
MY DEAR DIANNE,
YEAR SIX, BUT I WILL NEVER RUN OUT OF MEMORIES TO SHARE OF MY BIG SISTER. SINCE THIS IS "LEGACY" IT SEEMS APPROPRIATE TO SHARE SOME FAMILY HISTORY.
WHEN YOU WERE BORN IN 1948 YOU WERE THE FIRST GRANDDAUGHTER TO MAME BRODERICK (OUR IRISH SIDE) AND ROSIE AND P-POP PANZONE (THE ITALIANS). THAT YEAR MANY AUNTS AND UNCLES TOO, WERE BLESSED WITH THE PRESENCE OF DIANNE MARIE PANZONE. BEING FIRST HAS MANY PRIVILEGES AND FROM WHAT I SEE, MANY PHOTOS AND MANY LITTLE GIRL OUTFITS THAT ONLY ADDED TO THE CHARMING YOU!
KATHLEEN AND DOMENICK WERE THRILLED TO HAVE A BEAUTIFUL, HEALTHY BOUNCING BABY GIRL. YOU WERE THE FIRST OF THE THREE OF US. I FALL AS THE SECOND WITH JOANNE BEING THIRD IN THE TRIO OF DAUGHTERS. THREE SISTERS WOW! SEEMS WE ALL HAD THE NAME DOMENICK III READY AND WAITING DURING MOM'S PREGNANCIES. YOU AND JOANNE WERE THE GIRLY GIRLS AND I WAS HAPPY BEING THE TOM BOY (FILL IN SON) FOR DADDY. I DIDN'T PASS ON THE NAME BUT I DIDN'T MIND THE GREASY GARAGE EITHER.
IN 1968 WHEN YOU AND FORD MARRIED, YOU BECAME A "JAMES". YOU WERE INDEED A MOST BEAUTIFUL BRIDE. IN THOSE DAYS IT WAS APPROPRIATE TO SAY YOU AND FORD WERE A VERY HANDSOME COUPLE. DIANNE, THOUGH ALL OF YOUR YEARS, YOUR BEAUTY NEVER FADED! ON THAT SUNNY JUNE DAY, YOU BECAME A DAUGHTER IN LAW TO THERESA AND EDDIE JAMES AND A SISTER IN LAW TOO!
FAST FORWARD TO 1971 WHEN YOU AND FORD BLESSED OUR FAMILY WITH THE BIRTH OF DOUG, FOLLOWED A FEW YEARS LATER WITH JEFF. TWO GRANDSONS AND GREAT GRANDSONS WERE A PLEASANT CHANGE FROM ALL OF US GIRLS.
THE TERM MOTHER IN LAW IS SOMETIMES CURSED AS A NEGATIVE. BUT IN YOUR CASE, WHEN DOUG MARRIED CARI AND JEFF MARRIED COLBY, I HONESTLY BELIEVE BOTH OF THEM WERE PLEASED TO JOIN THE FAMILY AS THE LOVELY WIVES OF YOUR HANDSOME SONS.
DIANNE, YOU WERE ALWAYS SO PROUD AND EXCITED WHEN YOU SAID "MY FAMILY OF TEN". NATHAN AND ANDREW CAME FIRST TO CARI AND DOUG FOLLOWED BY ABBY AND EVIE, BORN TO COLBY AND JEFF. WOW, IT SEEMED NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE THAT THE TIME FLEW AND YOU AND FORD WERE GRANDPARENTS.
WHEN WE WERE KIDS THAT TRANSLATED TO "OLD". NOWADAYS THE TERM "OLD" IS CONSIDERED "OFFENSIVE AND DISRESPECTFUL". SURE YOU MAY HAVE AGED CHRONOLOGICALLY, BUT BOTH THE GUYS AND GALS HAD VERY ACTIVE AND EXCITING GRANDPARENTS! PHOTOS OF "YOUR FAMILY OF TEN" SHOW TREASURED TIMES TOGETHER AT THE BEACH, AT THE PARK, BEING SPECTATORS AT BALL GAMES, EQUESTRIAN EVENTS AND OH SO MUCH MORE. NOTHING "OLD" ABOUT DIANNE OR FORD JAMES!
ALL OF US MISS YOU DEEPLY DIANNE. YOU WERE A SHINING EXAMPLE OF A DAUGHTER, SISTER, WIFE, MOTHER AND GRANDMOTHER!
IT IS SPRING AND MY LITTLE BUNCH OF DAFFODILS BLOOMED FIVE BLOSSOMS. OH SO LITTLE COMPARED TO WHAT YOU HAD IN THE LOVELY GARDENS OF YOUR HOME IN DERWOOD. WITH FORD'S HELP, PLANTINGS FROM NANNIE AND MOM'S GARDENS, AND LOTS OF TRIPS TO THE NURSERY CLOSE BY, YOUR FLOWERS AND BLOOMING PLANTS WERE ALWAYS OUTSTANDING! THEY BRIGHTEN ALL OF THOSE PHOTOS WITH BURSTS OF COLOR!
I WILL CLOSE WITH TWO BEAUTIFUL AND MOVING QUOTES:
"WHAT WE ONCE ENJOYED WE CAN NEVER LOSE; FOR ALL THAT WE LOVE DEEPLY BECOMES A PART OF US!"
HELEN KELLER
"UNABLE ARE THE LOVED TO DIE, FOR LOVE IS IMMORTALITY!"
EMILY DICKINSON
REST IN PEACE DIANNE!
WITH MUCH LOVE ALWAYS,
(THE MIDDLE)
John Orsini
March 30, 2025
Thinking of You Dianne
Linda A. Panzone
April 1, 2024
Dianne,
Legacy sends these "notices" as if we need a reminder of loved ones who have have gone before us. I will NEVER forget YOU!
Year number five crept up on all of us who love and miss you so very much.
Your Grand Children are getting taller and taller. I know the boys are almost or past their Grand Dad, Ford! They surely didn't get that height gene from you!
Dianne you were always, rightly, so very proud of "Your Family of Ten". No doubt you had a great influence on them as they grew. You would be bursting with Joy if you were here to see them.
I do believe Heaven has a Gigantic Picture Window that allows all of you to take a peek now and then and see all the good from a most wonderful vantage point.
Easter came early this year and I have many both sentimental and silly "Memories of You". Oh the olden days of new Easter outfits with Bonnets, Mary Janes, and Spring Coats! And, I will always remember Easter Egg hunts and the occasional rainy Easter Monday. Mom would put the ironing board up against Daddy's rocker and that was our "Easter Egg Roll", inside. Egg Salad for lunch that day!
God took you too soon, but then He makes the Plans for our birth and death and as hard as it is to not have you here with us, my Faith assures me you are Resting in Peace.
Lots of Love,
Linda (the middle)
John Orsini
March 30, 2024
Thinking of You Dianne
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John Orsini
March 30, 2023
Thinking of you Dianne. Hang in there Ford
Linda A. Panzone
April 3, 2022
Hello Dianne,
For Doug's recent 50th Birthday, I wrote "FIFTY years of YOU". Of course You, Ford and Jeff were major characters in my saga.
This thing they call GRIEF, doesn't get much easier. As I write here again, knowing the last three years didn't include YOU, I feel a huge void in all of our lives.
As you recall, we had a boat named "Remember When?".
I decided to write a short (no I can't write anything short) list of some of our "Remember Whens?"'
*****It was a very hot August afternoon, in the late 1950's when we were just itching (no pun intended) to get in the water down at Nanny and P-Pop's North Beach house. We decided, if we worked hard and used our crab nets, we could scoop up lots of Sea Nettles, thus we could get in sting free.
There wasn't a plank on that pier that didn't have at least one drying out in the sun. We continued to labor until P-Pop came home from work and came down to see us.
He yelled, "What are you two doing?" We tried to explain, as the steam was pouring from his ears.
He then lectured us about Sea Nettles rotting wood. It must have been comical to see us beginning the task of scraping up and tossing off the remnants of our toil, as fast as we could. He dragged down a hose and began his version of "power washing".
I "Remember When", we as adults, agreed it was the closest he had ever come to losing his temper with us.
*****Across the street from our house was that huge vacant parcel of land. It was so overgrown, yet you and Terry would go treasure hunting, but told me I couldn't go along because "there were maniacs" over there. How gullible was I to not realize how you two could be immune to those "maniacs"?
On the top of a hill, in "ManiacVille", there was a great spot to fly kites. Daddy was alway excellent at figuring out better and easier ways to do lots of things. But, when we had to stand up there holding the bottom of a fishing rod with a reel wound with string, we were never happy. We just wanted a STICK like all the other kids.
When I was clearing out Daddy's garage, after he passed away, I came across a corner filled with fishing rods. BUT, one was missing a few of the top sections. It was then I saw STRING around that reel and couldn't stop laughing. I have it in my garage now, so I can always "Remember When?"
*****It was no secret I hated school. After kindergarten it got worse, because I was surrounded by scary looking nuns with wings on their heads. You had to deal with me every day, as I begged you to take me home. You got me sobbing, to my classroom door, and I think you ran from that point.
One day I decided I HAD to see you to get me out of there. I told my teacher I had your lunch by mistake. She went to your classroom and explained.
I "Remember When?" a very cruel big sister did not succumb to my needs. When I was told you were not coming, I was devastated. She said you looked into your bag and said "I have ham with mayo, and she only eats bologna with mustard." It was a long quiet walk back home.
*****Another "Remember When?" was when you called to ask me if I wanted to go on the Bay Bridge Walk with You and Ford. I was thrilled to be asked, and so excited at the anticipation, but never expected YOU to be up for such a venture. Four miles was no big deal, we were young. But riding across that bridge was not one of your favorite things to do.
It was a beautiful day and the three of us had a blast. The views were awesome and we all took pictures.
Dianne, we had many, many photos of us taken throughout the years. But one of my all time favorites is one Ford took of the two of us on that bright sunny day.
It is a memory I will cherish forever!
*****Seems there is no "character length" here, so I managed to squeeze in just a few of the ones I had written on a pad of paper last night. There are so very many more memories of You and Me and all of our family. It eases my heart a little, knowing you are pain free, don't have to deal with doctors (your nemesis) and you have spent the last three years, not only with God, but with Mom, Daddy and all the others who have gone before you.
Rest In Peace,
Linda (the middle)
John Orsini
April 2, 2022
Thinking of you Dianne
Linda A. Panzone
March 30, 2021
On this second anniversary of my Sister's passing, I pondered what to share with family and friends, without my silly stories about chocolate and such. No telling secrets on the WWW because it is there forever. You can thank me Dianne, when "I meet you on the other side".
I went looking for the actual Webster's definition of Legacy.
There were a lot mentions about money and possessions and then I found this statement, (paraphrased), that seemed to be very appropriate for Dianne's "Family of Ten." She was so, so very proud of all of them.
"Our true Legacy is not the money that we leave behind nor any of the possessions.
Our Legacy includes our Faith and how we have modeled our Marriage and how we have trained our Children.
The question is have we invested in eternity or in those things that fade away at death?"
Dianne's invested Legacy shines is every single remembrance of her fifty year marriage to Ford, filled with such love. She trained her sons, Doug and Jeff and they model the love She and Ford shared and married their sweethearts, Cari and Colby. She was then Blessed when she became a Grandmother FOUR times!
From what I remember of our Mother, Grandmothers do not train, they spend all their time with their Grandkids having FUN. She LOVED every minute of her special time with Nathan, Andrew, Abigail and Evelyn!
Dianne, just like our Mother and our Grandmothers, left behind wonderful memories to those of us, their legacies.
Sending prayers to Ford and the family on this day of remembrance.
Missing you greatly, Dianne.
With much LOVE,
Linda (the middle)
Linda A. Panzone
March 30, 2020
Oh My Dianne, I know you remember Mom always telling us: "The older you get, the faster it goes". How can a year have passed since you left us for your heavenly home?
To Ford, Doug, Jeff and her entire family, my thoughts and prayers are with you on this first anniversary. She was the Best Wife, Mom, and Grand Mom (and Big Sister) and I know you miss her more than words can say.
A quote from Mitch Albom: "Sharing tales of those we've lost is how we keep from really losing them." My heart is overflowing with so many memories and oh so many tales.......
Love always,
Linda (the middle)
John Orsini
March 30, 2020
Thinking of you Ford God Bless
Lyn and Pat McDermitt
April 8, 2019
So sorry to hear the news of our dear High School friend's passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with you, Ford and family. Dianne will surely be missed and forever in our hearts.
Linda A. Panzone
April 7, 2019
When we would fight, Mom always told us, "Sisters are Sisters Cradle to Grave". I never thought this could happen to one of us so very soon.
We have had our ups and downs, as many Sisters do, and I am so very grateful we healed our differences, agreed to disagree, and moved forward as if no time had passed. I will recall our last conversation, just before you started your treatments, and will keep it in my heart always. In your first message you said "I guess it is my time" and I said " NO, IT IS NOT". Still in shock. But, as I tell everyone who loses someone dear: "When someone you love becomes a memory, those memories become a treasure".
So many good times. So many pranks. What can I say and Mom was sometimes the ring leader. Can't help but wonder if you and Aunt Angie are cooking up one now, for when I arrive? You both loved to torture me. I remember most vividly, you both telling me, at a sleepover with her, that you were going to make chocolate milkshakes when I fell asleep. I TRIED so hard to stay away. The next morning you had the audacity to leave the glasses on the nightstand to show me when I awakened....and the time we were at the beach and you woke me up in the dark. You said if I dressed quickly we could go to early Mass and I would be able to get a head start on crabbing. I went and dressed and came into the living room, to the two of you laughing your heads off. Nanny came out of her room and I asked her why she wasn't dressed for Church. She turned me around and told me it was midnight and to change back into my pj's and go back to bed.
There was the masking tape line you drew down our bedroom floor. I didn't care, but you were a "neat freak" sharing a room with, what you called a "slob". You carried that wonderful trait all through your life and I hired housekeepers. You always traded cleaning the bathroom for mowing the lawn. Never understood it, but was thrilled to swap. It always amazed me how you never had a hair out of place and your clothes never seemed to wrinkle. We were as different as night and day.
I spent hours and hours going through thousands of 70 years worth of photos. It is absolutely true the "First Child" has the most baby pictures! From sleigh riding to beach time, picnics and parties, your Wedding, Baptisms, Confirmations, soccer, basketball, Graduations and oh so much more....there were smiles all round.
I watched You and Ford raise Doug and Jeff, and remember those wise words of wisdom from Mom and Nanny. "You are their Mother, not their friend" comes to mind. You done good Dianne. Two remarkable Men with wonderful Wives and incredible Grandchildren. I can honestly say there were times I was so very jealous, yet so very happy you shared them with Aunt Linda for sleepovers and more.
You and Ford always loved to travel and I still have several of my "souvenir" tees, a little thinner, but now treasures. Not only was your home always spotless, you were the "Martha Stewart" of the family, Oftentimes Hostessing Baby Showers, Wedding Showers, Mom's 50th Birthday party, the Reception for Doug and Cari after their wedding, Daddy's 75th Birthday and you surprised ME with a Housewarming Party, when I bought my first home, and more. Going through the Photos was a Walk Down Memory Lane with my, as you signed your emails, "Older Sister".
You inherited Nanny's "green thumb". She would separate plants and flowers, Chix and Hens. Mine never flourished as yours and always looked shabby. My funniest memory of your garden was when Nanny gave you one of her Peony Plants. Mom's were so big and fluffy and we always loved to cut them and bring them inside. You were so disappointed when the first one popped up but it did not bloom. You called Nanny and she asked if you had the ants. That was when we both learned that all those ants that we shook off, when we were making our cuttings, had a purpose. You drove to Mom's or Nanny's and got ants. Then you were watching that pink flower open up a little more each day and giving us a report. Until, you opened the back door and one of the boys was so very excited to bring his Mom a pretty pink flower. Just typing this now makes me smile big time. What was a Mother to do, but say thank you very much!
I hope there is no limit on the space I am allowed, as I could go on and on and on with the memories.
I know that God answers our prayers with Yes, Maybe and No. I did not like His No, but I remember a wise old woman, many years ago telling me I was praying all wrong. I was a little insulted until she said I must pray "THY will be done Lord, not MINE. I firmly believe He has a Plan, even if it doesn't feel right at the time.
Knowing that you are healed and no longer in pain, makes it a little easier to bear. I know that you have been reunited with Mom and Daddy, Aunt Angie, and all the others and are enjoying your Eternal Reward. Please tell them all hello from me and Rest In Peace.
With much love, "the Middle".
STEVE & PAT ROBINSON
April 6, 2019
oUR HEARTS & LOVE GO OUT TO YOU fORD AND YOUR FAMILY FOR THE SORROW YOU ARE GOING THROUGH. SO SORRY TO HEAR OF DIANNE'S ILLNESS & PASSING. THANK YOU FOR INCLUDING US IN HER MEMORIAL AND FUNERAL.
Patsy Koehler
April 6, 2019
Sincere condolences to Ford and Dianne's family. She was a lovely and very sweet woman and will be missed greatly by all.
Dianne Enders
April 6, 2019
Aunt Dianne will be missed. I'm so sorry. She was a wonderful funny sweet caring woman
Johnny Panzone
April 6, 2019
May you rest in peace Dianne, and God watch over your family and help them get through these trying times.
Your Cousin Johnny
Patricia Weekley
April 6, 2019
I was so saddened to hear of Dianne's passing, she was a beautiful woman. My heart goes out to Ford and her family. God bless you. My prayers are with you.
Peggy Reuschlein
April 5, 2019
Our deepest sympathy to Ford and all of Dianne's family. So sad to hear this news.
April 5, 2019
Our deepest sympathy, Dianne always brought a ray of sunshine when she came into our office. She will be truly missed.
The King Chiropractic Family
Nancy Engelbrecht-Brewer
April 5, 2019
Wonderful memories of our friendships over nearly a lifetime. My sympathy and prayers to you, Ford, and to all Dianne's family.
Janet Maple
April 5, 2019
Friends from Wheaton High School, neighbors in Derwood for twelve years, raised our children together, paths that crossed many times over the years. Dianne was a wonderful wife, mother and friend. Ford, Doug, Jeff and the rest of the family, may you be comforted during this difficult time by the warmth of friends and family. God bless.
Robin Hough
April 5, 2019
My deepest condolences to Dianne's family. May you have much comfort during this very trying time of pain and sorrow. Much love.
Cheryl Harris
April 5, 2019
May care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead. My most sincere condolences.
Johanna (Jo) Myers Berkowitz
April 5, 2019
To Ford & the family, I am very sad for your loss. I wish I could be there to send her off to heaven.
She will be on my heart forever. Prayers for everyone.
John Orsini
April 5, 2019
Wow With Deep Sympathy sorry to hear that about Dianne,Ford
Ford
April 5, 2019
I love you forever Dianne!
CAROLYN XANDER
April 4, 2019
With love and sympathy.
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500 University Blvd. West, Silver Spring, MD 20901
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