Diane Vivian Tackett, 74, of Buchanan, passed away on March 30, 2022 after complications from surgery.
Diane was born on July 21, 1947 in Sacramento, Calif., to the late Kelly and Vivian Davick. After graduating from Roanoke College with a degree in French, she married Marshall R. Tackett in 1969 and they settled in Buchanan, where they raised their three children and were married for 53 years until her death.
Diane always said that her greatest accomplishment was her family, whom she loved dearly. She took great pride in all three of her children, Kari, Margaret and Peter. She also found great joy in being a grandmother to her two granddaughters, Mya and Ella. She was always there for them, attending dance recitals, soccer games, birthdays and special events with her camera ready.
Diane had a strong and independent spirit, which lives on in her children and grandchildren today Steadfast and determined – once, after being at home for several days with three kids at home and a broken radiator in her car, she took out the manual and replaced the radiator herself, finishing just in time for her astonished husband, Marshall to return from work.
Diane also had a passion for travel. Some of her favorite destinations included visiting her children in Vermont and Idaho, Washington State, Paris and Norway. She had a propensity for spontaneous travel and it was not uncommon for her to hop in a car, plane or train with little notice. At the age of 67, she decided she wanted to view the Northern Lights and took off to the Arctic circle of Norway solo. Diane also enjoyed traveling the country by car, soaking in the vast scenery of the natural world, which she held so dear. It was not uncommon for her to make stops in small towns and cemeteries along the way to add to her extensive family genealogy research. Through her research, she uncovered new connections to family, which brought her great joy.
Diane’s family and friends will always think of her when the redbuds are blooming, during a game of cribbage, when opening a good bottle of red wine, or when they see a hummingbird or the color purple. They will also carry her with them wherever their journeys take them.
Diane is survived by her husband, Marshall R. Tackett of Buchanan; her children, Kari (James) Fletcher of Troutville, Margaret Aiken of Charlotte, Vt., and Peter Tackett (Michelle Bourcy and daughter Emily Allen) of Clark Fork, Idaho; grandchildren, Mya Bishop and Ella Fletcher; her brothers, Tom (Linda) Davick and Bill (Sue) Davick; niece, Melissa Davick (Detrick Bonner) and nephew, Sam Davick. Diane also has an extensive network of extended family that she held close to her heart – some lifelong connections and others recently discovered.
Honoring Diane’s request, we will not be holding a funeral service. At a later date, we will have a celebration of life gathering for family and close friends. Diane will be remembered for her kind and generous spirit, she was always willing to extend a hand to help a friend, family or stranger in need. n lieu of flowers, perform a kind act for someone or plant a redbud or lavender plant in your garden, which were two of her favorites.
“Kind hearts are the gardens, kind thought are the roots, kind words are the flowers, kind deeds are the fruits. Take care of your garden. And keep out the weeds. Fill it with sunshine, kind words and kind deeds.” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
