Family Establishes Scholarship to Honor Loved One
The Pius X Foundation is honored to be the beneficiary of a $10,000 gift to establish an endowed scholarship in memory of Dianne Sizemore. Dianne passed away December 31, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Established by her husband Jim and daughters Julie and Annie, the scholarship will provide tuition assistance to a Pius X student that demonstrates the values of kindness to all, humility, and great perseverance – all qualities that Dianne emulated. In addition to being involved in parish life (GodTeens, Pro-Life groups, CCD, etc.) and having a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above, students applying for the scholarship will write a brief essay explaining how he/she has demonstrated kindness and generosity, and how a strong prayer life has carried him/her through a challenging time.
“Dianne taught us now to find joy and happiness by caring for others with Christ’s love,” commented Jim. “We pray this scholarship will inspire young adults to embrace Dianne’s angelic journey, always sharing how Christ loves us and wants us to share kindness, hope, joy, and happiness.”
Dianne Marie Sizemore celebrated life on earth from October 13, 1958 until December 31, 2015. She was born in Berlin, Wis., and grew up in Grand Island, Neb., where she graduated from Grand Island Central Catholic High School. Dianne attended the University of Nebraska where she met her future husband Jim. They have two daughters, Julie Marie and Annie Leigh. Both were born in Lincoln, attended Catholic grade school, and graduated from Pius X High School.
During the last seven years Dianne’s extraordinary journey as an ordinary Catholic was especially inspirational. Through her own pain and suffering she set a powerful example for others, showed generosity, displayed her Catholic faith, and supported the people and causes important to her. Her cancer journey inspired many who witnessed her resolve to celebrate each day as a miracle.
“Dianne changed sadness to joy by reminding us of our faith and Christ’s love,” Jim shared in a biography outlining Dianne’s life. “She often reminded us to share joy and happiness and not sympathy and grief. Dianne loved life.”
Quick to volunteer when asked, Dianne always said yes. She dedicated her life to helping others find Christ’s love, and believed Christ guided her to be a servant for others without fanfare. The Make-A-Wish Foundation and GodTeens were two examples of her infinite kindness and how her enduring love provided inspiration to embrace your God-given talents. Dianne shared many years granting wishes. She loved bringing great happiness through a wish and she mourned with the family when a child passed away. Dianne proudly celebrated her GodTeen kids’ achievements, always serving as their biggest cheerleader.
Dianne also shared her many talents at Blessed Sacrament Church. She led the Home and School Association, many fund raisers, and weekly bingo. At Pius X she volunteered for BOLT and led the auction team for several years. Dianne’s other favorite pastime involved sitting in the bleachers cheering for the Thunderbolts, especially her nephew and niece, or any student she was privileged to meet.
Dianne provided a blueprint for a life of happiness by always sharing love for others. She especially loved helping children and young adults. Her favorite random act of kindness included volunteering at Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach and the People’s City Mission, as well as collecting for the needy. Dianne always shied away from recognition, preferring to focus on people in need.
If you would like to donate to this scholarship or another existing scholarship, or establish a new endowed scholarship or endowed fund, please contact Michelle Birkel at the Pius X Foundation at 402-488-1046. You may also donate directly to an existing scholarship by sending a check to the Pius X Foundation at 6000 A Street, Lincoln, NE 68510 or by donating safely and securely on-line at www.piusx.net.
