Diane Elaine Glidden

Diane Elaine Glidden, of Swartz Creek, passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at her home. She was 84 years old.

Born April 2, 1941, in Flint, she was the daughter of Frank and Marjorie (Fray) O’Lear. Diane grew up on the East Side of Flint, where she attended and graduated from Flint Central High School and attended Baker College. She started work as a bookkeeper for ITS and the Rizik family, then later went to work for the Swartz Creek Schools, starting as a lunchtime worker, then becoming secretary for the head of the special education department and then later becoming secretary for the warehouse for the entire school district. Raising two sons on her own, she was both roles an active father and mother and was involved in her boys’ activities serving as treasurer for the Cub and Boy Scouts while they were active in them, working on badges, building pinewood derby cars whatever was needed. She loved to shop, go to garage sales, she enjoyed cake decorating and at one time thought about starting it as a business, she enjoyed and had a special talent for organizing parties. Diane always put others first, whether it was giving gifts or just her keen sense of knowing when someone was having a rough day and needed a hug, she had a special talent of starting a conversation and getting to know you. Most of all she cherished her role as mother and grandmother, raising them to be kind and caring as she was and well-rounded individuals and she remained active in their lives.

Diane is survived by her two sons. Tracy Glidden and Corey Glidden; two grandchildren Davin and Valerie Glidden as well as numerous nieces and nephews and extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother David O’Lear and her daughter in law Julie Glidden.

In memory of Diane, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to Carriage Town Ministries.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.