Diane Delaney

Diane K. Delaney, 56, passed away April 25, 2009, at St. Pat's Hospital in Missoula of natural causes.

She was born on Dec. 14, 1952, to Robert and Patricia Gesek in Columbia Falls. As a young girl, she loved to ride horses, ice skate on the family pond and swim at Lake Blaine with her five brothers and sisters. She attended and graduated from Columbia Falls High School, where she was a cheerleader, member of the National Honor Society, Key Club and president of the Future Homemaker's of America. On an academic scholarship, she attended Gonzaga University and later graduated from the University of Montana with a degree in Social Work.

She met Steve Delaney in Spokane, Wash., whom she later married Dec. 28, 1974, in a double ceremony with her sister Patty in Whitefish. Shortly after, she began her career at the Missoula Health Department, where she worked as an extraordinary and disciplined social worker for 26 years. During this time, she was on the Board of Directors for Missoula Head Start, Board of Directors for the Roxie M. Anderson Memorial Fund, a member of the Missoula County Wellness Planning Committee, and was a certified Lactation Counselor and Lamaze Instructor.

Diane loved the outdoors, including hiking with her dogs, cross-country skiing, gardening, cooking with her son Ryan and taking her grandchildren to the park for picnics. An inspirational wife, mother, grandmother and friend, she was always there for those who needed her. She appreciated the simple things in life like a strong cup of coffee, a good glass of wine, inappropriate laughter, and the Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings. Her greatest attributes were her compassion for and acceptance of others, her gentle and patient nature, and giving of herself and her time to anyone at any time.

She fulfilled a life-long dream when she traveled to Italy with her dear friend Judy Shafter and was awestruck by its history and beauty. She looked forward to more international travel as well as spending quality time with her grandkids and close family members. Diane's unforgettable memory will live on in the countless lives she touched through her work, family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Patricia Gesek, stepmother Margaret Gesek, brothers Stephen and Mike Gesek and sister JoAnn Gesek.

She is survived by her father Robert Gesek (Columbia Falls), sister Patty Merlot (Snoqualmie Pass, Wash.), brother Bobby Gesek (Helena), son and daughter Ryan Delaney and Trisha Thorson, son in-law Cody Thorson, grandchildren Delaney and Makenna Thorson, and husband of nearly 35 years, Steve Delaney, all of Missoula. Other survivors include sister in law Dana Gesek, nephews Mike and Jacob Gesek (Whitefish), Steve Baker (Seattle,Wash.), nieces Theresa Plummer, Michelle Zentz (Boise, Idaho) and Tracy Kelly (Maple Vally, Wash.). Also, the Wedgwood and Delaney family (Helena), Burt family (White Hall) Thorson and Kammerzell family (Joplin, Chester) loving (like- family) Fisher family of the North Fork, and numerous extended family members and special friends.

Memorial contributions can be made to Missoula Head Start, the American Heart Association or donation of your choice.