Diane Olson Martin

Diane Olson Martin was a devoted wife, beloved mother, doting grandmother, great-grandmother and a loyal friend. She passed away on January 30, 2024, in her home. Diane was born on February 24, 1948, in Evanston, Illinois to parents, Walter and Ruth (Loken) Olson and grew up in Rockford, Illinois. She attended the University of Missouri where she studied Journalism. While in college, she met her soulmate, Thomas Michael “Mike” Martin, and they married in 1969. An amazing life of 54 years together followed. It included numerous trips within the United States with her favorite place being San Francisco, to Canada where her favorite city was Banff and to Europe, with Paris being Diane’s favorite European city. They moved to New Orleans, LA in August 1973, where they met many lifelong friends and where Diane honed her amazing cooking skills. She was always gracing her family with delicious meals and planning fantastic events where the dining room table was set and ready to go! Diane also enjoyed reading a book for her monthly book club or completing an amazing jigsaw puzzle in her puzzle room. Diane spent her workdays as a legal secretary and claimed her most rewarding work experience was becoming the Office Administrator for Jones Walker, where she worked for 44 years. Diane’s personality was infectious. She was quick with a witty comeback and loved unconditionally. She lived for her family including her husband, Mike Martin, loving daughter, Amber (Larry) Douglas; grandchildren, Emma, Kami and Taylor Douglas; great grandchildren, Adalyn, Alexa and Riah Mendez-Perez; Sister, Nancy Kilian; Aunt Sue Loken; Nieces, Amy (Jeff) Wonser, Marcia (Ken) Eagle, Pam (Barry) Cunningham and Nephews, Robert (Debbie) Loken and Tyler (Jessica) Martin. She was preceded in death by her parents and her Uncle Don Loken.

She leaves behind her best friends of over 40 years, Judy Regan and Mary Ann Dodd.

A Celebration of Diane’s life will be held on Saturday, February 24, which would have been her 76th birthday, at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., Baton Rouge, LA 70802. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m.