MILLBROOK – Dianne Caroline Petrikas Kaan AKA “Baby Girl” as it was notated on her birth certificate, 66 of Millbrook, NY passed away on Sunday March 6th, 2016. Although Dianne was born in Boston MA, she spent most of her life in Massapequa Long Island. In 1968 she graduated from Massapequa High School, and on June 14th of the following year married Ronald Lauder Kaan of who is previously deceased. Dianne and Ronald began their life together and had their first son in 1970, Ronald Lauder and another son in 1973, Shawn Marcus. They relocated to Medford, Long Island until 1982, when as a result of a job transfer moved to Poughkeepsie, NY. The Kaan family settled in Millbrook, which Dianne resided until her passing.
When Dianne was young, she enjoyed life to the fullest, never afraid of getting dirty or embarrassing boys with her knowledge of cars and her ability to fix them. Dianne became a different person in life after having a family and instead of living life on the edge, she settled down doing things which included weekends with family spent at her previously deceased parents, Jacqueline and Arthur Petrikas’ residence and campgrounds. Dianne loved to be surrounded by family and loved to entertain throughout the years. She enjoyed her brief employment with Butler Engineering but always fell back on her true love of crafts. Dianne owned and operated Dianne’s Ceramics for over 20 years. Her house often looked as if Michaels and AC Moore had a relationship and merged companies… and the main warehouse was located in “Dianne’s house.” She always surrounded herself with good company through the years including students who enjoyed her teachings. Dianne also had a passion in making sure her two sons were provided with everything they needed hence the straight teeth and clean sheets, apparently a Christmas gift from “Santa.” Her husband Ron always believed in just the necessities, Ramon noodles, Velveeta and figuring out ways to get family out for a visit to put them to work on the house. Dianne also loved the holidays and always made her infamous spritz cookies to share with the family whether they liked them or not. Dianne had every kitchen utensil known to QVC and the HSN network and put them to work for all of us to enjoy.
In 2001, Dianne’s family lost their house to a devastating fire that changed her life from that day forward. She appreciated all that was done for her and her family. She always wanted to give back and began to donate her time to the Millbrook Ladies Auxiliary in efforts to help others.
As mentioned before, Dianne was part of a large loving family, but at times too loving. Hey, this is what makes a family and the stories that we are still talking about. Her parents Arthur and Jacqueline Petrikas, her uncle William Petrikas that was raised by her parents, and her brother Jon A. Petrikas, all predeceasing her. She is survived by her son Ronald, his wife Kim and her son Shawn. Her grandchildren, Nevie, Trey, Riley, Jordyn, Seth and Courtney. Her sister Linda and husband Patrick Barber, Arthur C. Petrikas and wife Kathleen, Jacqueline Honeyman and husband Mark, Robin Havens, Francis G. Petrikas and wife Stacey, George Petrikas and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by two of her closest and dearest friends that have shared lifes tears and happiness since a very young age, Dorothy Fink and Marion Schenkein. Dianne always talked about and adored these two ladies to the fullest extent. A small gathering will be had at a later date for family and close friends.
Please visit https://donatenow.heart.org to make a donation in her honor. Your donation will help save and improve people’s lives with research, education and emergency care.
