Diane Annette Young

Diane Annette Young, a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, passed away on February 5, 2026, with her family by her side. Diane will be remembered for her kindness, her generous spirit and her joyful approach to life.

Diane was born on August 18, 1955, in Toledo, Ohio, to John and Eleanor Franklin. She married the love of her life, Joseph Young, in 1972, embarking on a marriage that spanned 54 beautiful years until her passing. Joe and Diane spent 43 of those years in Key Largo, Florida, where they raised their three sons, always keeping an open door for their children’s friends. Diane’s genuine warmth and caring endeared her to the Key Largo community, where she was a longtime congregant of Burton Memorial Church and made many lifelong friendships. She worked for 16 years as a merchandiser with Mondelez International, where her dedication and hard work were evident to all who knew her.

Throughout their marriage, Diane and Joe traveled the world together. Diane loved attending concerts, ballets, and spending time outdoors — visiting many national parks with Joe by her side. Together, they also spent time in Gatlinburg, Tennessee and on Cape Cod. She and Joe retired to Greer, South Carolina, in 2023, where Diane’s open smile and easy way of connecting with others helped them to settle into their community. She especially enjoyed her daily walks with her new friends and neighbors.

Above all, Diane cherished being a mother and a grandmother. She devoted her life to her sons, Jorma Young (Wendy), Jon Young (Elizabeth), and Joseph Young II (Kristen) and found great joy in her role as Grandma to Abigail Mohs, Madalyn Young, Finley Young, Siena Young, and Adelaide Young. She is also survived by her brother, Steve Franklin, and her sister, Carol Schwartz (Norman), and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who will remember her fondly.

In accordance with Diane’s wishes, a celebration of life will be held in late July on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Details will be made available soon. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Habitat for Humanity, an organization that was dear to Diane’s heart, and to which she gave generously throughout her lifetime.

In loving memory of Diane, whose spirit touched the lives of many, we invite family and friends to celebrate her memory through a heartfelt Tribute Tune entitled "Open Door Heart." To honor Diane's memory and to experience the beauty of this tribute, please click here, “Open Door Heart” to listen.