Diane Marie (Bily) Hirsch, age 80 of Watertown, MN passed away peacefully in her home on Thursday, January 9th. She is survived by her daughter Rachelle (Mike) Barfknecht of Watertown, MN and son David (Morgan) Hirsch of Bend, OR, Grandchildren Meghan and Paige Barfknecht, Marit Hirsch, and dog Chloe. She is also survived by many loving nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, and community members. Diane is preceded in death by the love of her life and husband Jerome “Jerry”, faithful daughter Jennifer Hirsch, her parents Louis and Ann Bily, sister Lillian and Gerald Schotik Sr., in-laws Margaret and Bernard Hirsch and brother-in-law Charles Hirsch.

Diane grew up in West St. Paul, MN and graduated from Sibley High School. She went on to receive a radiology technology certification from St. John’s Hospital in St. Paul and had a fulfilling career where she retired as a mammographer specialist for Lakeview Clinic in Waconia, MN. Diane and Jerry moved to Watertown where they owned and operated Harms pharmacy for many years.

Diane’s magic reached far beyond her career. She is best known for the immense caring she showed for others. Diane’s life purpose revolved around being a devout Catholic woman, wife, mother, grandmother, and community member. She found no greater joy than making everyone feel loved through her beautiful smile and warm presence. She always maintained a sweet, simple, and classy demeanor that made even strangers feel welcome.

Diane lived by faith, family, and friends in that order. From always supporting her kids and grandkids who called her “Gram” by being their biggest cheerleader, to singing in the church choir, being involved in a homemakers group, volunteering at the library and blood drive, planting flowers around Watertown, and baking Christmas cookies for the town; her devotion to everyone she loved had no bounds.

Highlights of Diane’s life include traveling the world and having new adventures with Jerry, visiting David, Morgan, and Marit in Bend, OR and her most recent trip in May to New York City for her 80th birthday with Rachelle, Meghan and Paige.

Diane made everyone around her a better person. We will miss her dearly.

Memorial Mass and Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Watertown, Minnesota. A gathering of family and friends will be held prior from 9-11 AM, with an 8:45 AM rosary service prior, all at the church. Internment in the church cemetery will follow. A luncheon will be held at B’s on the River in Watertown following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, donations preferred to the:

Watertown-Mayer Education Foundation

Jerry and Diane Hirsch Memorial Scholarship

Cretin-Derham Hall