Dianne Deardorff

Dianne Deardorff (aka Marion Dianne Starr, Dianne Breden, Dianne Curtis and Dianne Curtis-Deardorff) passed away peacefully on February 18, 2025, in Lincoln, California, after bravely facing 3 1/2 months of home hospice care resulting from a brain tumor diagnosed as lymphoma. Born on July 9, 1939 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, she was the daughter of Herb and Marion (Barker) Starr. 

Dianne graduated from St. Mary's Academy, a prestigious girl’s school in Winnipeg. She then attended St. Boniface Nurses School for one year before moving to the Chicago area and marrying Jim Breden on January 25, 1958. In about 1965, they moved to the San Fernando Valley in Southern California.

In 1972, she began her real estate career, becoming a broker in 1976. For most years, she was awarded as one of the top producing realtors in the area. There, she met her business partner and second husband Earl Curtis, where they bought Ford Properties, expanding it to five offices with about 150 realtors. Dianne distinguished herself as a realtor with her knowledge, dedication, determination, and unparalleled work ethic, offering training to many other people in her trade. Her commitment to her clients and to the communities she served will be remembered by many.

During a trip to Northern California in 1988 to see a home they were building at Lake Wildwood, her husband Earl was killed in a car accident. Dianne remained a widow for 19 years, living in Lake Wildwood, Chico, Roseville and Lincoln, continuing to work as a real estate broker. It was during this time that she developed a lasting bond with her grandchildren.

In 2007, she met Art Deardorff whom she married on January 26, 2008. Art and Dianne both eased into retirement, traveling in their RV and abroad, owning a condo in Truckee and enjoying activities with friends in Sun City Lincoln Hills. Dianne started oil painting, building “Dianne’s Studio” as an additional room on their home. There, she spent many hours painting beautiful landscapes, flowers, and other subjects, sharing many of these with family and friends. 

Dianne is survived by her beloved husband, Art, who stood by her side through their marriage. She is survived by her two daughters, Cherilyn Livingston and Sue Ann O'Guinn, and Cherilyn’s husband Craig. Her treasured grandchildren, Kellen Kronholm, Shellie Livingston, and Tyler O'Guinn will remember their grandmother not only for her love but also for the values she instilled in them through her actions and words. She was also very much in love with her great grandsons Emerson and Landon Kronholm.

She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Ron Starr. She had a special place in her heart for her Winnipeg family, Ron Jr., Jamie and Dianne Starr and their families. 

Dianne Deardorff will be remembered for her unwavering spirit, her artistic talents, and the profound impact she made on the lives of her family and friends. Her legacy of love and dedication will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to have known her.