Dianne Franzak Jimmink

Dianne Franzak Jimmink (64) a resident of Bowie, MD passed away on March 7, 2019.

Dianne was born on February 12, 1955 in Milwaukee, WI, to the late Frances Anne Underwood and George F. Franzak, Sr. She grew up in Beltsville MD and eventually moved to Bowie, MD to raise her daughter. Dianne worked for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington, DC as an IT specialist. 

She is survived by her beloved daughter Lindsay Anne Jimmink, two sisters, Joyce F. Cox(Joe) and Mary Ellen Howell(Scott) and three brothers, Scott G. Franzak, Joseph K. Franzak (Becky), and George (Chip) F. Franzak (Beth), surrogate daughter, Sarah Bucy, and twelve nieces and nephews.

Dianne graduated in 1989 with a BS degree from the University of Maryland. Dianne obtained her certificate in Genealogy Research at Boston University in 2011. To further her education, she completed the week-long Federal records course at the National Institute on Genealogical Research at the National Archives in Washington D.C. She also attended three week-long intensive topical courses at the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh to deepen her understanding of racial and ethnic specific research and genealogical citations.

In addition to her memberships in many national, regional, and local genealogical societies, she held the office of vice president of the National Capital Area of the Association of Professional Genealogists and participated in the Professional Genealogist’s study group. She was a great ambassador for genealogical research, sharing her knowledge and passion through several lectures to local genealogy societies.

Dianne was an avid learner. Her passion was genealogy, and she loved to research her & Lindsay’s heritage. Excited when she found a confirmed link to their past.  She loved to listen to books on tape while commuting to & from Washington DC. She loved the study of Egyptology that came from her favorite books by Elizabeth Peters.  She loved to go to Broadway Musicals and shared that gift with Lindsay. She loved all animals, especially her kitties, and was a frequent donor to the SPCA of Anne Arundel County.

Dianne was a passionate gardener. Every year planning what to dig out and what to plant. She was very proud of her backyard oasis. Dianne loved to travel too.  She & Lindsay completed a trip to Vermont & New Hampshire becoming official “leaf peepers” and covered bridge enthusiasts. She did many vacations with family and friends, most were at her favorite place, the beach. Dianne loved to do crafts and completed her largest project last December, the 6’ Nutcracker.

Dianne loved her family.  Family was first in her life.  She was first and foremost Lindsay’s Mom and best friend.  She hosted the yearly Christmas family get together and fondly termed it the “Franzak Family South Pole Christmas” incorporating her mother’s southern cooking and her father’s Polish heritage (Polish sausage & pierogies). She was always present at the numerous family celebrations for brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.