Diane Cheryl Farris

Diane Cheryl Farris, passed away June 2, 2025. She was born on January 4, 1946 in Detroit, the daughter of William and Dorothy Purdie, Scottish immigrants. She was the first of her siblings to be born in America. Diane graduated from Cooley High School in Detroit, where she met Michael Farris, whom she would later go on to marry and have two kids, Ryan and Allison.
Early in her career, she worked for world-renowned architect Minoru Yamasaki, whom she referred to as "Yama", after moving from Detroit to make their long time home in Troy, Michigan. Yamasaki was best known for designing the original World Trade Center in New York City, and Diane would often speak fondly of her time working with "Yama", as she admired his caring nature and brilliance.
Diane took a break from her career to focus on her two true loves: raising her kids, and shopping! As her kids were getting older, Diane found that her skills in applying makeup could be leveraged as a profession, leading to her "second career" as a national makeup artist for Trish McEvoy. Diane enjoyed traveling the country, meeting interesting people, and reconnecting with family in places like New York and California along the way.
Later in life, Diane would use her ability to connect with people to quickly cement her status as "the favorite" of her various caregivers and nurses, who would often relay to her kids their fondness for Diane. She had a way of noticing finer details and finding ways to bestow compliments and appreciation for those who would care for her. Those gestures would often be repaid with kindness, whether it was making sure that her nails were always done or that her eyelashes were following the latest trend, usually by people in her circle who had no responsibility for such activities!
Diane will be remembered for her love of laughter, reminiscing with family and friends recalling funny moments throughout her life, her love of makeup and her willingness to help people look their best up to her last days, and most of all for her love of family. She never missed an opportunity to catch up on the latest developments for her kids and grandkids, making sure to let each know how proud she was of their accomplishments and of them as people.
Diane is survived by her beloved children Ryan (Heidi) Farris of Rochester and Allison (Fabian) Clemens of Romeo; loving grandchildren Carter Farris, Gavin Farris, Nolan Farris, Hilde Clemens, Meike Clemens, and Farris Clemens. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 from 4:00PM-8:00PM. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday at 1:00PM. All arrangements entrusted to the Muir Funeral Home & Celebration of Life Center (296 South Main, Romeo, MI 48065.) Memorial Donations may be made to NAMI Detroit (2900 Conner St., Bldg. A, Detroit, MI 48215; namidetroit.org.)