Obituary of Dianne J. Lytz

Chestertown: Dianne Jeanne (Messner) Lytz passed away peacefully at home on May 1, 2017 surrounded by the love of her family. Her positive attitude and strength never wavered in her 17 month battle with brain cancer. Dianne was born on May 13, 1950 in Glendale, CA to parents Joseph and Jeanne (Weckesser) Messner. She was raised in New Shrewsbury, NJ and graduated from Monmouth Regional High School in 1968. Dianne’s life-long love and talent for music drove her to earn a Bachelor’s of Music with a focus on piano and voice from Wittenberg University in Springfield, OH. Returning to NJ, she did what she loved. Working as a horse groomer at Monmouth Racetrack, she also sang and played piano both as a solo act and with various groups throughout the Jersey Shore area. It was here that she met her husband, Charles. Married and raising two sons, the family moved to North Plainfield, NJ where she became active with Watchung Avenue Presbyterian Church through singing with the church choir and providing service in many other ways. Her love for animals and nature filled many weekends and family vacations but it was her passion and love for others that motivated her to complete two master degrees in Social Work from Rutgers University. She worked in various capacities as a clinical social worker specializing in couples and family therapy. After accepting a position in the Outpatient Mental Health Unit at Glens Falls Hospital, she moved full-time to Chestertown with her husband and pursued her love of nature by hiking the high peaks of the Adirondacks with family and friends. She loved being involved in the community lending her mezzo soprano voice to the choir at the First Presbyterian Church of Warrensburg, joining the local book club, the local knitting group, and learning to play Mahjong with friends. An avid baker, she loved to cook for “her boys” and her friends. Her home-made breads were legendary. She often said that warm homemade bread slathered with butter was divinity. She also savored life and its small, beautiful moments. She appreciated the good in all people and relished the sounds and colors of nature, and of life. She will be fondly remembered for her genuine sincerity and will be missed by all. Dianne is survived by her mother, Jeanne Messner; her brother, Mark Messner; her children, Brian Lytz and David Lytz; and her loving husband of 43 years Charles. She was also loved and will be missed by her extended family. Friends may call on Dianne’s family from 1 to 3 pm, Saturday, May 13, 2017 at the Alexander Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. A celebration of her life will immediately follow the visitation at 3 pm, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to any of the following: High Peaks Hospice, Queensbury, NY; Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA; Charles R. Wood Cancer Center, Glens Falls, NY; or a cancer research center or hospital of your choice. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guest book, condolences, and directions.