Diane Barbara McCann

October 6, 1947 – April 3, 2026

Diane Barbara McCann, known affectionately by those who loved her as "Grandma Di," passed away on April 3, 2026, at the age of 78. A woman defined by her zesty, loving, and persevering spirit, Diane lived a life rich in education, adventure, and devotion to her family.

Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Diane was a proud graduate of Ann Arbor Pioneer High School. A true believer in the power of learning, she was the first in her family to attend college, earning her BA in Elementary Education from Michigan State University and her MA in Reading Education from Eastern Michigan University. Her intellectual curiosity took her across the globe; she spent meaningful time in India and neighboring countries through the East West Center, completing post-graduate studies at Punjabi University. It was during these travels in India that Diane grew close to her friend—and future sister-in-law—who would eventually introduce Diane to the man who would become her husband, Michael.

A lifelong educator, Diane shared her passion for knowledge at several public and private schools, and many of her colleagues became life long friends. Among her many students were future NFL coaches Jim and John Harbaugh. Her commitment to mentorship extended beyond the classroom as a longtime Girl Scout member and dedicated Girl Scout and Cub Scout troop leader.

Diane’s life was colored by her many passions. A lover of flowers, plants, and herbs, she spent years volunteering at Greenfield Village with the Village Herb Associates. In her free time, she was a talented baker, cook, and crafter, eventually becoming a gifted painter after retiring to Arizona with Michael in 2008. Whether camping at the Pinery Provincial Park, visiting National Parks, or just spending quality time with her family, Diane embraced life with a rhythm all her own—moving her shoulders to the beat of her favorite Motown songs all the way through to her final days.

She had a profound soft spot for dogs (though she would never admit it), including the family's dog, Molson, her granddogs Morty and Bella, and most recently her daughter’s service dog, Libby, whom she lovingly claimed as her own. Libby accompanied Diane to her appointments, treatments, and hospitalizations, devotedly staying by her side until the end. 

Diane is survived by her devoted husband, Michael J. McCann; her daughter, Bridget M. McCann; her son, Sean P. McCann and his wife, Samantha; and her stepson, Michael P. McCann.

She was the cherished grandmother of Michael P. McCann II (wife India) and Jacob D. McCann (partner Brianna Toledo); and the adoring great-grandmother of Iris A. McCann, Mary Jane McCann, and Michael P. McCann III. 

Services

All services will be held in Cottonwood, Arizona. For those unable to attend in person, a link for the livestreams of each service will be provided on the obituary webpage.

Viewing & Rosary: Wednesday, April 22, at 4:00 PM at Westcott Funeral Home.

Funeral Mass: Thursday, April 23, at 11:00 AM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

Interment: Saturday, April 25, at 11:00 AM at All Souls Catholic Cemetery.

Tributes

Flowers may be ordered through The Flirty Flower in Cottonwood. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Diane’s honor to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation or the National MS Society.