Dianne Iris Sick

Dianne Iris Sick, originally of Lancaster but more recently of Lititz passed away on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at the age of 80 from respiratory distress and complications of dementia. She was the daughter of Ira Skiles Grossman and Florence Stoner Grossman of Lancaster. Dianne was not supposed to exist. After her older sister died at birth, their doctors warned the Grossmans not to try to have another child, for the sake of the health of Mrs. Grossman. The couple did not accept this advice, and Dianne’s family and friends thanked her parents and God for sharing her with us for 80 years. She was a long-time resident of Cabbage Hill and the west end of Lancaster and some of the friends she made there remained with her throughout her life. She met monthly with her girlfriends from her school days at Lafayette, Reynolds, and McCaskey to gab and play cards for about 50 years. She was an active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church on Pearl St. for 80 years. After graduating from McCaskey in 1961, she earned her beautician’s license and cut and styled hair for several years. Soon after starting this career, she met Harvey Sick, who moved to Lancaster from Bradford County to attend Millersville University. The couple married in 1965, and, although they faced significant challenges, they became devoted to one another and finished 59 years of marriage on October 23. Their love and care for each other in the last few years was obvious as they faced numerous health issues together. The couple had one child, David, presently of Memphis, TN. Dianne soon grew to love the mountains and farms and people of Bradford, Sullivan and Wyoming Counties, and she became beloved by many family and friends from that area, where she spent much time. In 1968, a blood clot lodged in Harvey’s spine, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. Dianne had to take on numerous responsibilities, helping her husband, raising their child, and working part-time to supplement the family’s income, which was greatly reduced because of Harvey’s injury. She continued to work part-time at various jobs—bus driver, McDonald’s team member, Rebman’s sales associate--until her son was older. She then accepted a position as a job coach for the Community Action Program in Lancaster and subsequently as a job developer at Goodwill Industries. She was named employee of the year for 1998 by Goodwill. She was also an exquisite housekeeper and a cook skilled in the Pennsylvania Dutch arts. Her chow-chow was full of finely chopped colorful vegetables with a tinge of yellow saffron, just the right balance of sweet and sour. It was both beautiful and delicious. At her core though, Dianne was fun-loving, kind, and conscientious, always concerned for others. During her final years with dementia, the easiest way to redirect her mind was to mention the needs and problems of other people. She did not want others to suffer, and she wanted to help. She will be sorely missed by those who knew her. She is survived by her husband and son, a niece, a nephew, and several dear cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, niece, and several dear cousins. A Memorial Service will be held at the Chapel of the Good Samaritan in the Luther Towne Center at Luther Acres, 250 St. Luke Drive, Lititz, PA 17543 on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow. Interment will take place at a later date at the Forkston Township Cemetery. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be sent to Redeemer Lutheran Church, 818 5th St., Lancaster, PA 17603.