Diane Marie Fraser

Diane Marie Fraser, age 75, of Blue Ridge, Georgia, passed away on Monday, April 3, 2023, at Parkridge Medical Center, Chattanooga, Tennessee, after a brief illness associated with cancer. She was born January 25, 1948 in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, to the late Lt. Col. Alfred J. de Lorimier and Marjorie F. de Lorimier. She had lived in Blue Ridge since 2008. Diane graduated from Southern Seminary Junior College in Buena Vista, Virginia, in 1968. She was an Army brat and her early life began with several moves across the eastern U.S., and later to Germany for several years, as her father was a career Army officer. She was an executive assistant with Southeast Banks in Florida and with Grumman Aircraft in St. Augustine and other positions after leaving Florida. Diane was very intelligent and independent with an adventurous streak, always seizing the opportunity to try something different or live somewhere new. She loved traveling and certainly didn't let the grass grow under her feet! She was known by her family as our “tumbleweed”. One year, Diane traveled alone from Virginia to Whitefish, Montana, camping along the way, over the course of several days. That “free spirit” trek may have been sparked by her days as an Army brat. But she also loved camping, hiking and nature. She was very interested and knowledgable in history, including the Civil War and native American culture of the West. Because of her love and the beauty of the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains, Diane chose to live in this area in her last years. Diane was very strong and courageous in her battle with cancer, but somehow managed to have a sense of humor through it all. She dearly loved her family and was a good friend to many. We will miss her greatly!

Surviving Diane Marie Fraser are her children, Michael Schmalzriedt (Patricia) of Wilmington, NC, Kellie Willis (Allan), Noosa, Australia, and Skye Sherman (Rowan) of Boise, Idaho. Grandchildren Brian Schmalzriedt, Connor Schmalzriedt, Glenn Marple, and Zack Sherman, and great grandchild Arison Marple and her sister Carol Gay (Barry) of Blairsville, Georgia, and nephew, Tanner Gay of Charleston, SC.

As per Diane's wishes, there will be no services planned at this time.