Diane M. Kouzan

Diane was born on April 9, 1960, in Stamford, the daughter of Harley and Thelma O’Dell Sr. She grew up in Schoharie County where she attended and graduated from Schoharie Central School. Schoharie is where Diane found her forever home with the McKissick family. She moved to Plymouth, NY to be close with them in 1996 and remained on the family farm until this year.

Diane was a caregiver to any family in need. She would drive them to appointments and provide one-on-one care through their final days. She had the compassion to care for others, and was happiest on the farm with Alan, her family and her animals.

Diane had a love for birds. She fed and watched them regularly. Every year, the hummingbirds came by the dozens and this brought her tremendous joy. You could hear her laugh as they buzzed around her. She also loved canning and cooking and was known for her famous macaroni and cheese and coleslaw at family gatherings.

Diane is survived by the love of her life, Alan Mettler, of Norwich; her siblings, Delores O’Dell, of Norwich; Brenda O’Dell, of Rochester; Harley O’Dell, of Schoharie; Kathleen (Rob) Scruggs, of Brooksville, FL; Deborah (David) Aidone, of Cobleskill; Connie Kern, of Cobleskill; Alonzo (Violet) O’Dell, of Warnerville; Douglas O’Dell Rocke (Karen), of Altamonte Springs, FL; Donna (Jerry Dean) Llewellyn, of Cocoa, FL; Bill (Cathy Jo) McKissick, of Castleton-on-Hudson; Gert (Larry) Young, of Canastota; and Abby Cortez, of Plymouth. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Mike Jr., Courtney, Rebecca, Destiny, Tyler, Jameson and several dearly loved nieces and nephews. Diane also leaves behind her beloved babies Brownie the dachshund and Johnny 5 the parrot.

Diane was predeceased by her parents, Harley and Thelma O’Dell Sr.; her foster parents, Frances McKissick; Bill and Carolyn McKissick; as well as her brother, John O’Dell.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of her life on Saturday, March 25th from 12:00 – 3:00 at the Norwich VFW, 61 E. Main St. Norwich.