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FUNERAL HOME

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

1730 East Grand River Ave

East Lansing, Michigan

Diana Voutsaras Obituary

Diana Marie Voutsaras (Lycos)

East Lansing

Diana Marie Voutsaras (Lycos) East Lansing Loving Wife, Mother and Grandmother - Diana M. Voutsaras (Lycos) went to be with our Lord on January 31, 2015 after a long courageous battle with cancer. In the last two years, Diana traveled weekly at times to MD Anderson in Houston, Texas. She participated in a clinical trial in hopes to help find a cure for ovarian cancer. She was preceded in death by her parents Richard and Pauline Lycos.

She is survived by husband, Spiro; children Kelly (John) Hart, Paulena and Niko Voutsaras; grandchildren Johnny, Vincent and Athena Hart; brothers Benjamin (Sharon) Lycos, Kenneth (Carol) Lycos and Richard (Denise) Lycos; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Diana was born June 5, 1951 in Lansing. She graduated from Lansing Eastern High School and Central Michigan University. She was a trailblazer for women in business owning and operating her own business Professional Composition, Inc. in East Lansing for over 25 years. Diana loved her work but her greatest love was her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed scuba diving, reading and traveling.

We would like to thank the staff of Sparrow Infusion Center, Sparrow 5 West Oncology Unit, and MD Anderson Cancer Center for the wonderful care that Diana received. In addition, we offer our heartfelt thanks to Angel Flight and Angel Ground for making it possible for Diana to travel to and from Houston.

Funeral service will be Thursday, February 5, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church with Fr. Mark Sietsema officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday, February 4 from 2-4 and 6-8 at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 1730 East Grand River Avenue, East Lansing with a Trisagion Service at 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the MD Anderson Cancer Center (gifts.mdanderson.org).

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman East Lansing. On line condolences may be shared with the family at www.greastlansing.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lansing State Journal on Feb. 3, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Diana Voutsaras

Sponsored by Your Loving Husband.

44 Entries

March 11, 2015

I miss you......

Kathleen Holt

February 18, 2015

Diana was beautiful, smart, gracious, caring, loving wife and mother, funny and just way cool..with a smile that would light up a room whenever she walked in..
Thank-you Diana for helping me when I didn't know where to turn..You are now a beautiful angel in heaven, free
from all the pain you've had so long...
I love you and will miss you...
Until we meet again..

Isabelle + Joe Vukovic

February 13, 2015

Our family was deeply saddened by the passing of your wife, mother and grandmother.

We'll always remember Diana fondly and feel lucky that we had the pleasure of knowing her.

Our heart goes out to you and your family at this difficult time.

Daniel Vukovic

February 13, 2015

I am deeply saddened by the news of Diana's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

February 9, 2015

Spiro,
First, let me express my deepest sympathy to you and your family for your loss.
Second, please accept my sincere gratitude for giving me the opportunity to say a few words about Diana and what her participation in the clinical trial meant and continues to mean to others with this devastating illness.
When I think about Diana (and I know I only had a brief ride with her) two characteristics immediately jump out: she was so joyful, even with all that was going on, and even though she had to make weekly trips from more than a 1000 miles away, and even though I wasn't as prompt in seeing her in my clinic (sorry about that - I'm a talker…), and even with bad news…she was joyful, in a way people are who have inner peace. People handle stress, adversity and disappointment in all kinds of ways but, Diana was as strong and motivated and at peace as one could ever hope. I loved visiting with her and reviewing all the details (and non-medical details…you know, kids, husband, friends, my grandkids (yes I made her look at the photos), National Inquirer, obamacare, etc). I loved her smile (with or without hair) the smile loomed brightly. My office, Verne and Barbara staff frequently said the same.
The second characteristic that comes to mind, was that she was SMART! Wow. She wouldn't let me gloss over anything. She always came prepared with questions – and not all of them chip shots. She was so intelligent which made my job both easier and harder, as she comprehended so much; but wasn't afraid to go back for clarity. Memory like a steel trap! Even when I'd be showing her the films, she would be engaged and learning. I know one of the scariest aspects of medical care is losing a sense of control; many retreat or become antagonistic as the disease progresses. Diana took a different approach – teamwork…the uncertainty of tomorrow was a shared experience. I hated to ultimately disappoint her, but being the mom, she would pick up the pieces (both her and me) and look for the next step.

In a way, her attitude and approach to her disease was exemplified in her participation in the clinical trial I mentioned. This was one of those randomized trials where you don't get to pick a therapy; it's done by a flip of a coin. In her case, it was a study of a weekly therapy compared to that same weekly therapy plus another therapy. The intent of the study was to compare both the efficacy and the safety of the experimental arm to the control arm. Did I mention she was smart? So, in this trial, the control arm or standard of care weekly therapy was a drug that could be prescribed at home. However, because this was a research study, if she randomized to that arm, she would be required to come back to Houston weekly to get a therapy that she could get right there at home. She understood that issue well and like many patients had hoped to randomize into the experimental arm; at least that would make the travel "semi-worth it”. She also understood that going through the randomization process and then withdrawing from the study if she didn't get the experimental arm would confound the interpretation of the study. Well, you guessed it…she got randomized to the control arm, and made that commitment to come for weekly standard of care therapy for MONTHS! And I know it was a hardship…on many people. But she was committed and engaged. Really remarkable. I have used this experience many times in my counseling of other patients and in my lectures about clinical trials to other physicians and patients. It's an important message on many levels. One I feel very strongly about is the participation process. We've not conquered this disease. And while there are lots of treatment ideas, none of them would see the light of day without the generosity of people like Diana. Her participation in that study led to important information that is guiding the development of the experimental agent which turned out to be slightly more effective in the short run but significantly more toxic. These results are pushing the development of the drug in a different direction to overcome these issues. We would not be in this position without her help.

To the family and friends, let me again express my sympathy for your loss of this great woman. I know the effect she had on me and my team was profound, but only a tiny fraction of impact I know she had on all of you. I am so grateful she came into our lives. It was not only my pleasure to care for her, it was a privilege! She will be deeply missed but remembered.
God Bless,
Rob
——————————
Robert L. Coleman, MD
Professor & Deputy Chair
Vice Chair, Clinical Research Programs
Ann Rife Cox Chair for Gynecology
Department of Gynecologic Oncology & Reproductive Medicine

Eadie Smyth-Harley

February 8, 2015

My condolences to your family. I went to High School with Diana, she was such a kind, genuine person. Always had a smile for others, I never heard her speak an unkind word . I know she is an Angel watching over you now.

February 6, 2015

YaYa's Prayer

Dear Lord,
Please keep yaya safe in Heaven.
I loved her so much but I know it was the time for her.
I love her so much but now she is all healthy and that is even better then what we had.
I love you and her so much and I hope you give my family and friends strength.
I love you so much. In Jesus name I pray, Amen

Athena Hart, age 7
Diana's Granddaughter

Laura Racine RnBsn-Sparrow

February 5, 2015

To Diana"s family & friends~
I bow my head in sorrow for your loss but yet I am honored for caring for such a wonderful soul...all she wanted was to be pain free, cancer free and to see her children grow, graduate and live life, watch and enjoy her grandchildren as any of us would...she fought so hard.
I will miss her wittiness, joy, and friendship......

Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed and very dear. - Unknown

February 5, 2015

My mom was the most important person in my life, she is the reason for who I am today. She has given me happiness and hope in all situations. My mom has taught me to never give up, to never stop fighting a battle that is presented in your life. It amazes me how one person could have the strength to fight that hard for what she wanted. My mom was brilliant, if I had a question I know I could go to my mom and get the right answer. Just talking to my mom for 5 minutes would teach you something. My mom was the most trustworthy person that I had in my life. She would never lie to me, never try to change the story, and if it was something I didn't want to hear she made it easier for me to understand. She was always there for me and always made sure I was happy even when she was fighting the hardest battle of her life. The most important thing my mom has taught me is how to smile. People say I am a happy person and I know exactly where it came from. She always tried her best to make me happy and that's all she wanted was for Paulena and I. My mom has taught me how important love is and how it could change a persons life. She taught me how to love and be caring toward other people which has been my goal my entire life. The one thing I am going to miss the most is seeing her smile and laugh, when people say I have good smile and laugh I know exactly where it came from, my beautiful Mom.

Love, Niko

February 5, 2015

If you could only use one word to describe my mom it would be the word "STRONG". My mom was the strongest woman I ever knew. She taught me that no matter how bad life could get that things will always get better. She taught me how to have a relationship with the Lord, that going to church every Sunday with your family is one of the more important things in life. Growing up she made sure to come in my room every night with my dad to say a prayer before bed. That meant so much to me.
One thing my mom always made sure that I knew was that she loved me so so much. She never let me forget that.
My mom always made sure that I was taken care in the best way possible. She made sure that every thanksgiving my whole family would come together to laugh, to talk, to joke around, and to make new memories. She also made every Christmas one to remember. My mom gave me the opportunity to see the world and all the different cultures in it. For that, I am forever thankful. Some of my favorite memories come from the times we traveled together, like when she took me scuba diving for the first time or when she took me to see the Eiffel Tower in France. While we were in Switzerland, we were walking down a snow covered path with all the beautiful mountains and trees as our backdrop. She told me "Paulena, I want you to remember this moment forever." She loved her life. To this day I still can relive that moment in my head.
When I become a wife and a mother myself, I hope that I can be just like my mom. I pray to God that when I have kids I will be able to give them every single thing my mom gave me because what my mom gave me was the best 17 years of my life.
As times got harder in these past 5 years of her life, my mom always felt like she wasn't doing enough for my brother and I or like she wasn't being a good enough mom. There was never one moment that that was ever true and I made sure she knew it. Even when my mom was sick, she always made sure we were taken care of. Always.
I love my mom so much and I know from the moment she went up into heaven she has been watching over me, loving me just the same. I miss her terribly but I know that now she is no longer in pain and that is something I always wanted for her. I know my strong, brave, loving mother is always still in my heart and never will be forgotten. I love you so mom and always will, rest in peace.

Love, Paulena

Vickie Plunkett

February 5, 2015

I want to extend my deepest sympathies to your family. Diana was a wonderful person. She was so warm and vibrant. The world is truly dimmer without her.

Phil Schertzing

February 5, 2015

Spiro, Gayla and I extend our deepest sympathies to you and your children for the loss of Diana. She was a beautiful lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Bob Miller

February 5, 2015

Spiro- So sorry for your loss. I know how hard you fought for Diana and now she is free and her spirit will live forever.

Steve Fitzsimmons

February 5, 2015

Spiro, so sorry for your loss.

Duane Hickok

February 5, 2015

Spiro, I am so sorry for your loss, my condolences to you and your family.

Tim Lukasik

February 4, 2015

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Anita Wuellner

February 4, 2015

My sincere sympathies to Diana's family, including her brothers. Whenever I think of her, I remember her beautiful smile, eyes, and general outlook on life. She was a very special cousin that I'm sad has had to leave us so soon.

Laura Gramza

February 4, 2015

Praying for you and your family.

February 4, 2015

Spiro, We are sorry for your loss. Matt & Gloria Wesaw

Kris Henderson

February 4, 2015

We are saddened to hear about the passing of Diana. Diana was always had a smile on her face when I would see her at LCS when our son attended there. Please know that our thoughts and prayers will be with all of you doing this difficult time.

Angie Yankowski

February 4, 2015

Spiro and family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. Sending many prayers of comfort your way!

Elise Voutsaras

February 4, 2015

To Spiro,
My heart is sad for the loss of your beautiful wife, Diana. I know she has touched the lives of all who knew her. Hearing you share her incredible journey has proven to me that she was such a courageous woman. Her battle to beat this devastating illness will live on in you forever. You continue to fight for her! Your mission in life has always been to take care of those you love.

To Niko and Paulena,
My heart is broken for you. There is no greater love in this world than the love of a mom. The special memories you shared with your mom will always be with you. Each day something will remind you of her....that is okay....embrace them.

To Kelly,
Your mom had a special plan for you....not only are you the big sister but you too are a mom....I know you will watch over your entire family. Your mom's legacy has started with you.

I know your faith and love of our Lord will give you all the strength to get through each day. Our wonderful family and special friends will always be by your side....it's okay to lean on them for support! Just remember you have a special guardian angel to watch over you. I will miss her, too.

Love, Elise
Sister, Aunt and Godmother

Nancy Davis

February 4, 2015

I got to know Diana during a week of fun in the sun in Cancun, Mexico a few years ago. Recently, we met again as we both battled cancer . . she was a fighter and a wonderful woman. May she rest in peace.

mildred lycos

February 4, 2015

My beautiful neice Diana was always a ray of sunshine to the family. Never seen her without a smile on her face and the look of love when she talked to u. She was there when her uncle Paul died and held us strong while dealing with her own battle. I will miss u dearly love u aunt Millie.

kathryn lycos scott

February 4, 2015

This is a very hard message to write I loved her so but I know she is one of the newest lycos angels up in heaven. She told me weeks ago she was tired and ready to go see her mom and dad. She fought so hard to stay with her family but our family in heaven knew it was time for their Diana to come and be with them. She is with them all now smiling hugging all the time while watching down on us as now we have another blessed angel looking over us everyday. I love u my sweet cousin Dee more than u know.

Alice Jean Loomis

February 4, 2015

Spiro, don't know if you remember us or not but saw your loss in the paper so wanted to tell you how much we feel for you loss. please know that people care. Sincerely, Alice Jean and Wayne Loomis

Janice Kleiner

February 3, 2015

DeeDee was one of the sweetest people. She was a cousin I looked up to and admired. She was sweet, kind, always smiling, and she was beautiful inside and out. My most heartfelt condolences to all of the family. Sincerely, Janice Kleiner

Terri Fitzgerald Canfield

February 3, 2015

Diana was one of those rare individuals, who defined what being genuine and humble were all about. She was truly a beautiful person, inside and out. To The Voutsaras, Lycos and Hart Families; I extend my heartfelt condolences. And to Eastern High School, Class of 1969: " Our loss is Heavens gain." Here's to you Sweet Diana.

Rick & Gerri Gouthro

February 3, 2015

The last time we saw Diana in the office she was with her kids and you could see the love she had for them. Spiro,Paulena & Niko, know that she loved you and will always be a part of you now and in the future.

Jennifer Lycos

February 3, 2015

She was a kind and generous woman. She will forever be remembered for her wonderful spirit.

Kim Reid

February 3, 2015

Diana was a very special person. I enjoyed seeing on the mornings she would come to the Infusion Center. She always asked me what book I was reading, and we often exchanged books. I will miss her greatly.

Kim RN

Sarah Morrow

February 3, 2015

To Spiro & Family, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

February 3, 2015

I am so sorry to hear of this loss, she was a kind, happy, lovely person. I felt blessed to call her my friend.
Mary Purvis

Nicole Lycos

February 3, 2015

Loved so very much and not ever forgotten.

Daniel Heany

February 3, 2015

Sorry to hear of Diana's passing. She inspired many with her strength and courage. I remember good times at Bancroft Park.

Nicole Lycos

February 3, 2015

So very much loved and will never be forgotten.

February 3, 2015

To Spiro and family, We are so sorry. Our prayers are with you. Carl and Evelyn White

February 2, 2015

I think you never knew how much it made me smile to know you.

Doukakis Family

February 2, 2015

May her memory be eternal.

Susan Hardy

February 2, 2015

I love you my sweet, beautiful Diana. You are now with the Lord in Heaven and I know that you will be looking down on your children and your family. My cousin will be missed, I will keep you in my heart and mind forever. I just wish that we could have had more time to spend with one another. I will wish you a good morning each day and a good night every night. Rest in peace. I love you so much. Till we see one another again.

Sarah Kindinger

February 2, 2015

Diana was an amazing women, mother and friend. We are all better people and human beings for knowing her. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

February 2, 2015

Spiro, we were so sad to see in todays paper that Diana passed. Through you we knew how hard she fought this terrible disease. She was able to get her wish and come home. No more pain or sadness finding out yet again that another stumbling block was in front of her trying to fight this. In time, feel the comfort of her watching over you and hearing you call her name as she sees and hears what is so heavy on your heart.
Sending our hugs and praying that you find the strength for these next days and months.
Bob and Ali Hafner

Kim Lycos

February 1, 2015

I love you so much aunt Dee Dee.

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