Diane Elise Martin

Diane Elise Martin, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2025 surrounded by family. Diane was born on June 18, 1940, in Santa Rosa, California, to Theresa and William Ginotti. She grew up on Fulton Street in San Francisco, where she and her baby sister, Mary, made cherished memories playing with cousins. She attended St. Thomas Grammar School and later Star of the Sea High School, where she served as student body president and received numerous honors. Diane went on to study nursing at the University of San Francisco, graduating magna cum laude. On August 18, 1962, Diane married the love of her life, Darryl Martin. Together they built a beautiful life, celebrating 51 years of marriage before Darryl’s passing in 2014. Their four children were at the center of their lives, and Diane and Darryl dedicated themselves to family activities. Diane served as president of the Parent Teacher Association at her children’s grammar school, and she and Darryl were deeply involved in their children’s swim team—Darryl as the starter and Diane in the ribbon room tallying results. Though neither had ever skied, Diane and Darryl learned alongside their children, creating treasured family memories on the slopes. Annual ski swaps became a family ritual, and the children fondly recall skipping school for ski trips after Darryl explained to the nuns that they were off making “quality family memories.” Diane was a generous member of many communities—she played the organ at church, led Brownie and Girl Scout troops, volunteered at the elementary school in Incline Village, and ran bingo games at the extended care facility in Truckee. She and Darryl also shared a love of travel, exploring the world together. After Darryl’s passing, Diane continued to travel with dear friends and family, always embracing new experiences. In her later years, Diane received wonderful care from some amazing people. The family is especially grateful to her wonderful caregivers—Guille, Claudia, Mimi, and Dora-who provided her with comfort, dignity, and kindness. Above all, Diane cherished her family. She is survived by her children Maria (Marc Thomas), Louise (Kevin Yee), Stephen, and Angela (Jim Knoetgen); and by her ten beloved grandchildren: Zachary (Natalie), Ryan (Emily), and Nicholas Thomas, Connor (Kim), Julia, and Dominic Yee, Nolan and Lucas Martin, Henry and William Knoetgen. She also leaves behind many cousins, nieces and nephews, and her faithful cat, Rusty. Diane will be remembered for her devotion to family, her deep faith, and her warm, giving spirit. She leaves a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Incline Village, Nevada. A reception will immediately follow at The Château at Incline Village. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations for the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe (hstt.org) or Loaves and Fishes (https://sacloaves.org/) would be greatly appreciated.

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Diane Elise Martin

June 18, 1940 - August 29, 2025