Diane Lenore Erickson Mari

Diane Lenore Erickson Mari, 87, of Fargo, ND, entered eternal life peacefully on December 16, 2020, at her daughter Jackie’s home, surrounded by family, after a 12 month illness of congestive heart failure and kidney cancer. She entered this world on June 24, 1933, in Fargo, ND, the eldest of seven children born to S. Gordon and Connie Erickson. She was named after the Sicilian village of Cefala Diana, home of her mother’s family. Diane grew up in Fargo, and graduated in 1951 from Shanley High School, formerly Sacred Heart Academy. She attended St. Joseph’s school of nursing and through this career choice, met Filipino doctor, Justo L. Mari. They were married at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in West Fargo, ND on June 1, 1957, and made their first home in St. Louis Park, MN. While living in MN, they welcomed their first two children, Jeff and Marilyn. In 1961, Diane, Justo and family moved to Bottineau, ND, where Justo was a general surgeon at St. Andrew’s Hospital for 14 ½ years. It was in Bottineau that they welcomed two more children, John and Jackie. The family enjoyed summers at their log cabin on Lake Metigoshe, with many close friends and social gatherings. Diane’s fun sense of humor was enjoyed by all those who were privileged to meet her. The Mari family moved to Fargo at Christmastime in 1975, where Justo joined the Fargo Clinic as an Emergency Room Physician at St. Luke’s hospital. They continued to enjoy summers at the lake, but now at their cabin on Little McDonald Lake, MN. After Justo’s retirement in 1992, Diane and Justo wintered at their home in Sun City West, AZ, until Justo’s health made travel difficult for them. Diane’s compassion and love for Justo were evident in the daily care for him as he continues to battle dementia. In November 2019, Diane was admitted to the hospital, and could no longer care for Justo as she had to take charge of her own declining health. Family was everything to Diane, and she proudly called herself the “Fluffy Grandma”, and once a great grandma, “The Great One.” She made up a song about everything, and made sure everyone ate 4-5 square meals a day. If you missed a meal, she’d welcome you with a delicious bowl of buttered popcorn and wonderful conversation at any time of day. She was very proud of all of her children and grandchildren, sometimes to a fault as she would boast about them to whomever would listen. Her Catholic faith was an inspiration to her children, as was her support from all those who have been praying for her and Justo throughout the years. Missing her with heavy hearts, are her husband of 63 years, Dr. Justo L. Mari, who currently resides at Kinder Care in West Fargo under the fantastic care of Mel, Taylor and staff; sons, Jeff (Kaley) Mari, and Dr. John L. (Lynne) Mari; daughters, Marilyn (Dr. E. James) Werre, and Jackie (Dr. Daniel L.) Mengedoth. Grandchildren, Sydney (Patrick) Stoa and their children, Remy and Jaxon; Chanel (Brent) Malone and their son, Marshall; Dr. Jordan (James Muir) Mari and their daughter, Jocelynne; Katelyn (Zach) Frappier, and their daughters, Mari and Koa; Audra Mari; Jade Mari; Jarett Mari; Max, Austin, Samuel and Simon Mengedoth. Also left to mourn her loss are her brothers; Ivan (Pat) Erickson, Renton, WA; David (Laurie) Erickson, West Fargo, ND; Dennis Erickson, Wilbraham, MA; sister-in-law, Jan Erickson, West Fargo, ND, brother-in-law, Donald Olmstead, Moorhead, MN as well as many nieces and nephews. Joining her in Heaven are her many friends; parents, S. Gordon and Connie Erickson; siblings, Noelle Olmstead, Paul Erickson, and Phyllis Vigen; and infant granddaughter, April Beth Mari. Memorials preferred to Hospice of the Red River Valley, who have been so supportive while caring for Justo since June 2019, and Diane since July 2020, or to the Roger Maris Cancer Society. https://www.hrrv.org/giving-back/ https://www.sanfordhealthfoundation.org/campaign/roger-maris-cancer-center/ Prayer Service: 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at Nativity Catholic Church, Fargo with visitation starting at 6:00 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at Sts. Anne and Joachim Catholic Church, Fargo. Interment: Holy Cross Cemetery South, Fargo. WE WILL BE LIVE STREAMING THE FUNERAL MASS FOR DIANE. HOWEVER, ALL ARE WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED TO COME, AS WE HAVE TAKEN ALL NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS TO ALLOW FOR SOCIAL DISTANCING AT THE PRAYER SERVICE AND FUNERAL MASS. FACIAL MASKS ARE ENCOURAGED. Diane's Video Tribute can be viewed below: