Diana Brainard

Diana Brainard, 67, of Genesin Township, Duluth, passed away on November 13th after sudden complications of chemotherapy.

Diana was born on September 21st 1957 to John B., and Andrea U. Brainard in St. Paul. After Diana graduated from Minnehaha Academy in 1975. She went on to study dance at Texas Christian University.

After graduating with a bachelor's degree in dance and a master's degree in business, she went on to work as a professional dancer in Detroit, MI. She later returned to St. Paul to work as a dance teacher then as an insurance underwriter. She was later promoted to business analyst. In 1992 she had her first daughter, Starr Brainard. In 1996 Diana had her second daughter Celesta Brainard.

In 2008, Diana met the love of her life Kent D. Carlson. They were married on Brighton Beach in Duluth on June 16th 2015, adding Kent and his son Cody D. Carlson to the family. Diana relocated up to Duluth and retired in 2016.

Diana was very active in her community and a member of AAUW, Happy Tappers and numerous environmental groups. Diana loved dancing, exercise, and spending time with her dogs. She was passionate about environmental conservation and protecting our natural resources for future generations. 

She is survived by husband Kent, daughters Starr and Celesta, step-son Cody, brother John C Brainard, sister Louise B Hoversten, dog Jet and many loving friends and extended family. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you take time to learn about the dangers of sulfide mining, and the recent copper mine plans near Boulder Reservoir and please donate to the Tamarack Water Alliance.