Dianne Jean (Boyce) Zientak

We lost our beloved mother and grandmother, Dianne Zientak, on August 26, 2021, as the result of an automobile accident. Dianne entered this world, seven minutes before her brother Robert, to Charles and Evelyn Boyce on June 27, 1947 and was the first baby born at Grafton City Hospital in Grafton, West Virginia.

First and foremost, Dianne - otherwise and affectionately known as Di, Mom, Grandmom, or Grandma Di - was a dedicated mother and grandmother. She treasured her children and grandchildren, embracing every moment with them. At a time when it wasn’t common, Dianne entered the workforce after being widowed at a young age and played the role of mother and father.  Deftly balancing a career while raising her children, Pam and Brian, always maintaining a loving and warm home. For twenty years Dianne was a trusted employee of the Mid-Atlantic Multiple Listing Service, moving on to support the St. Stanislaus parish in Fells Point, ultimately retiring from Johns Hopkins Bayview in 2017.

Dianne was predeceased by her husband Albert Zientak, her mother and father, Charles and Evelyn Boyce, her brothers Dale Boyce, Charles “Glenn” Boyce and his wife Elaine, and her son in-law Scott Phillips. The loss which hit Dianne the hardest was the passing of her daughter Pamela Zientak Phillips, whom she took loving care of throughout her life.

Dianne leaves behind her twin brother Robert Boyce and his wife Beverly, her son Brian and his wife Christine, her grandchildren Molly and Alex Phillips, Nora and David Zientak, and Joshua Nichols, her beloved nephew Paul Boyce along with numerous nieces and nephews, her favorite cousin Roger Cordi, and long-time, close friends the Nelsons (Sharon, Ronnie, Krystal Schultz, and Rachael Meekins) and the Mullens (Gail and Paul).

The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Dianne. Taking long drives, chatting on the phone, and enjoying her children and grandchildren in her own strong, kind, silly, and supportive way. With an uncanny ability to find happiness in her daily activities, Dianne’s personality was contagious to everyone she met.  We will all miss Dianne dearly, but are so grateful for the times we shared with her and will always feel her presence in our hearts.

A Graveside memorial service will be held at 11:30 am on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at St. Stanislaus Cemetery (6515 Boston Street, Baltimore, MD  21224).  Afterward, friends and family are invited to celebrate Dianne’s life at Jimmy’s Famous Seafood (6526 Holabird Ave., Baltimore, 21224) immediately following until 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations in Dianne’s memory to Pathfinders for Autism (pathfindersforautism.org/donate). Condolences for the family may be offered at Kaczorowski Funeral Home (www.kfhpa.com).