Diane L. Durkee Obituary in Peabody at Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home

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Diane L. Durkee

January 26, 1940 - September 17, 2023

Obituary For Diane L. Durkee

Diane L. Durkee, 83, of Danvers and longtime resident of Peabody, Ma passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 17, 2023 at home surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of Sidney L. Durkee of Peabody with whom she shared 60 years of a loving marriage.

She was born in Portland, Maine on January 26, 1940, and raised in Yarmouth, Maine. Diane graduated from North Yarmouth Academy in 1958. After graduation she attended Pierce Secretarial School in Boston, graduating in 1960. Diane worked as an Administrative Assistant for Serafini, Serafini, Darling & Correnti Law Firm in Salem for 15 years and the American Lung Association in Topsfield for 7 years. She was one of the foundering members and served as Secretary for the “Haven from Hunger”, soup kitchen and food pantry in Peabody. She was a member of the Board of Directors for many years at the nonprofit organization The Sutton Home for Women in Peabody (https://suttonhomeforwomen.com ).

Diane was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2001, and through her faith and determination, she searched for answers. It says in 2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith". Diane made it her mission to learn all she could about the disease. Diane’s passion to teach others drove her to start a Parkinson’s support group at the Peter A. Torigian Senior Center in Peabody.

Diane found peace and comfort in her faith. Diane was known for many attributes, mostly her quiet generosity, perseverance, strength and love. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially her grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, Diane is survived by her daughters, Rebecca Stewart of Peabody, Elizabeth Neil and her husband Christopher of Lakeville and Rachel Moran and her husband Christopher of Danvers; her grandchildren, Cameron, Alex, Colin, Matthew, and Ryan; her great grand-daughter Ella Stewart; her sisters, Constance Daoust of Naples, FL and Sylvia Merrill of Hampton, NH.

A Memorial Visitation will be held at Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody, on Monday, September 25, 2023 from 10 AM to 12PM, followed by a Funeral Service at 12:00PM. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in West Peabody. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Diane’s memory to the Parkinson's Association of Southwest Florida by visiting https://parkinsonassociationswfl.org or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research by visiting https://give.michaeljfox.org/give or to Haven from Hunger by visiting www.citizensinn.org. For guestbook and directions please visit www.ccbfuneral.com

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09/25/2023

John Serafini Jr

I had the privilege of working with Diane for more than 15 years at my Salem law office, where Diane kept our books and generally helped run the office. Her quiet strength, organization, sense of humor and kindness were so helpful to the office, but also to each of us personally. As she did with so many others, she connected with and genuinely supported us in our work, but also on a personal level. We will all miss you, but I'm so grateful that our paths crossed. John Serafini, Jr.
09/24/2023

Christopher Neil

I could not have asked for a better mother-in-law than My-Fair-Lady Diane. She will be greatly missed, and I will especially miss our "hugs". I told her before that she is my hero, and she always will be. Lots of great memories I will always be grateful to have. God bless you Diane, Love you, your son-in-law Chris (#1:).
09/20/2023

Beverly Rose

Rest In Peace sweet Diane. You will be missed. Always in my thoughts and prayers. 🙏❤️
09/19/2023

Monique Heyndrickx

Diane was my mentor. If there were life choices she would never tell me what to do but guide my thoughts. I enjoyed acting in the Passion play. Her portrayal of Mary , the mother of Jesus touched everyone's heart.
09/19/2023

Angela Cauley

From the time I was 12 and Beth brought me home from school, I spent a lot of time with in her house. I became besties with Rachel and spent enough time there to literally start calling Sid and Diane Mom and Dad. I was fortunate to have a great Mom and Dad at home, but it was nice to feel like I belonged there as well. Thanks for the back up!
09/19/2023

Jane Craven

Sid, we are so sad to learn of your loss. Diane was a jewel of a lady. What a delightful woman. We are so glad to have known you and Diane at Westwind Estates. Keith and Jane Craven
09/19/2023

Scott and Maryann Schumann

Sid, Sending our deepest condolences. We remember Diane was kind and always had a smile on her face! Gods blessings to you and your family. Scott and Maryann Schumann
09/19/2023

Ronald Bovio

We can take heart and find joy, In knowing one day, For those who walk with Christ, Will be joined together again!!! The Bovio'sn
09/19/2023

Patti Fergason

My heart is breaking for Sid and the family. But I know for sure that Diane is in heaven, in no pain and dancing with her Lord.
09/18/2023

Nicole McCarthy

Nuna Di, may you rest in eternal peace. Sending my love & prayers to Papa Sid, your beautiful daughters, cherished grandchildren, & the rest of the family. Love you all.
09/18/2023

Alex Stewart

My Nuna used to make me and my brother blue berry pancakes every morning even if in a rush to get out the house she used to wake me and my brother Cameron up every morning with the you are my sunshine song my Nuna was one of the brightest welcoming people to walk this earth.
09/18/2023

Janice Comeau Patrizz

Dear Sid To your girls and their families I want to offer you my deepest sympathy. Diane was a sweetheart. I always enjoyed seeing her. Please, cherish all your memories with her and the girls as a beautiful family. My prayers and thoughts are with you Janice Comeau Patrizz
09/18/2023

Paula Dalton

Sid I am so sorry for your's and the girls loss. Diane was one of a kind, a great friends and someone you could always depend on. She fought a valiant fight, one a weaker person would not have been able to do. She will be missed by everyone.