Diane Ida Smith

Diane was born on January 5, 1949, in Berkeley California to Frank Zanetti and Claire Kruger. Both parents passed on when she was a teenager, and she was taken in by here now foster parents Ronald and Janice Polzin. Diane went into trade school for what was at the time considered a foolish industry, computers. Diane had a long and fruitful career as a leading programmer for IBM which was no small feat for a woman in a male dominated field. Diane was an engaging community member who would frequently walk the neighborhood chatting with friends and neighbors.

Diane will be remembered for her love of cooking, traveling and cracking jokes. Her kindness was not only for her friends and family but also for the common man. Diane displayed this daily with her interactions with the community.

Diane is survived by her husband Jerry Smith, her daughter and son-in law Eric and Teresa Renken with their children Eric, Zachery and Ian. As well as her son and daughter in-law Frank and Maryann Smith, brother and sister in-law Ron and Nancy Zanetti as well as their children Catherine Snodgrass and Nick Zanetti.

The loss of Diane leaves a deep void in our lives, but her spirit and legacy will continue to inspire us. Diane will be dearly missed and fondly remembered, but her legacy of kindness will live on in her children and grandchildren especially her daughter Teresa who lives her life full of kindness and love. Diane’s love for cooking and bringing joy through her food will live on in her son Frank and grandson Zachery who she taught to not only cook, but how to show your love for people through feeding them.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on Friday, July 12, at 2:00 PM at Apex Funeral Home, 550 W Williams St, Apex, NC 27502, followed by a reception from 3:00 PM to 5:00PM.

Fond memories and condolences can be shared below within “Add a Memory” for the Smith family.