Diane Baratono

Diane was born on June 28, 1958, to parents Helen and Robert Baratono.

After high school, Diane had several jobs including hardware store associate, in-home elder care, hospitality housekeeping, and owning and operating a horse breeding and boarding farm. She also volunteered for several years at the LDS Family History Center in Houghton, Michigan, aiding visitors with research in their family genealogy, one of Diane’s many passions. 

Throughout her life, Diane’s animals; horses, dogs, cats, parrots, chickens, ducks, and more, gave her much joy. She was very talented with horses and gladly shared her love of horse riding and training with any youngster who asked for her help. She had a strong affinity for all animals. 

Walking out into nature was a must in Diane’s daily routine. She was happiest when she was outside and was lucky enough to have and maintain her own walking trails. Even in the deepest winter, she could be found out in the woods on her snowshoes with her dogs.

When spring finally arrived, she was very excited to peruse the newest gardening catalogs and get her vegetables and flowers started. She loved picking berries, making jam and later canning what she grew in her garden. Her yard is colored with flowers of all kinds.

Diane is preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Robert Baratono; her infant brother, Jimmy; her youngest brother and close friend, Keith; and a very dear friend, Michael Lynch.

She is survived by brothers, Robert (Sarah) Baratono of Hancock and Paul Baratono of Calumet; sister, Susan Baratono of Calumet; nephew and right-hand-man, Andrew Wiitala of Calumet; niece, Laura (Brad) Baratono Anderson of Vandalia, Ohio; her beloved dogs, Lucy and Gracie; and several cousins and friends. Diane also leaves behind her bonus family, Shelly (Rick) Kinnear of Sault Ste. Marie, Sue Zubiena of Calumet, and Wanda Klarich of Lake Linden.

There is not a service planned for Diane at this time. To honor her memory, give your pets some extra love, plant some fall flower bulbs, take a quiet walk in the woods, or search for some long lost relatives.