Diane Margaret Canning

March 4,1947 - July 20, 2008

Diane peacefully passed away on July 20, 2008 after a year-long illness.  Those wishing to send condolences to Diane's husband, Michael and their son, Matthew, can mail them to Michael M. Miller, 136 Central Street, Action MA 01720-2706, or call 978-263-1944.

A celebration of Diane's life was held on Thursday July 24th  at 12 noon, at Follen Church, 755 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington MA. At the ceremony, the following passage was read by Hilary Koeller, a friend of Diane's son Matthew:

Diane is such a bright, shining person, who has alighted many lives,
She has given every one of us so many happy times
Our strongest memory of her, emblazoned in our minds,
Laughing deeply, so full of life, so loving and so kind

A keystone in her family, a beacon among her friends,
Her ability to bring people together is one that clearly transcends
Such fierce joy, too bright to turn to shade,
Such love of life and laughter cannot so quickly fade

Every life she touched she made better with her smile,
Whether we’ve known her since our youth, or just a little while
She changed all of us, spreading peace and joy of life,
She served others as a daughter, sister, friend, mother, and wife

Inside her was a passion for life that will always burn,
And now to carry on that torch, it is our collective turn
Do something each day that would have brought a smile to Diane’s eyes,
Listen to piano, wear teal, or get up early to watch a sunrise

She cared deeply about others, enriching so many lives,
Her kindness and warmth through us will always thrive
She gave us our dear friend, her son, whom we are honored to know,
That same sparkle that shone from inside her, inside him also glows

We were privileged to know her in a different way than most could say,
She was more than just our friend’s mom, she was mentor everyday
Such a caring person, treating us all like family in every way,
Her absence affects us all; we all truly lose a parent today

-Hilary Koeller

Diane - 1965 (from the Saga Yearbook)

Diane - 1975 (from the on-line Journal)

"The Kiss -- twenty-five years ago"

Diane (with "The West Nyack Girls") - 2005 at the 40th Reunion

Michael and Diane in Aruba - 2007

Sunset in Aruba - 2007 (from the on-line Journal)