Diane O'Brien,79

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. —  

In loving memory of our beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and great aunt. Diane Michael Ferris O’Brien, 79, passed away Sunday January 30th, peacefully in the presence of her loving family at Berkshire Medical Center.

Diane was born on April 13th, 1942, daughter of William Abraham Ferris from Torrington, CT and Freeda Martha Ferris from Danbury, CT, who both predeceased her. Di, Didi, or Sitto, to all who knew her, was a loving and caring individual who touched the lives of many people.

She was a parishioner of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, where she attended Sunday mass until the time of COVID-19.

Diane attended North Adams Public schools. She graduated in 1960 from Drury Senior High School. Diane’s first job was for her aunt, Margaret Ferris, at the Orchid Beauty Salon where she worked part time. Diane worked as an ice cream server for Modern Dairy during her 4 years of high school. Diane enjoyed modeling for Riseberg’s during Fall Foliage Week, and several times for Ester Jaffee Ryan, an exclusive woman’s clothing boutique. Diane was secretary of the Lebanese club. She was a PTG member. Her most exciting committee was the Fall foliage festival Pageant committee.

After graduating high school Diane was employed by Sprague Electric Company as a Secretary for James Flanagan from 1960-1965. In 1976 Diane began her career working with children in the North Adams Public School System. Diane loved being surrounded by children and treated all her students as her own. Diane was loved by all. After 32 years Diane retired to take care of her ailing aunts, Margaret Ferris, and Leila Ferris.

Diane married the love of her life, the late William James O’Brien, Jr on September 28th, 1968. Diane and William devoted their life to raising their two daughters. William and Diane were loving and supportive parents.

Diane was predeceased by her sister Michele Kirby. Whenever you saw one, you could bet you would see the other. Diane and Michelle had a special bond/love between them. They were two hearts beating as one and would not have survived without the other.

Diane is survived by her daughters Lisa Rennell and husband Aaron. Kristie O’Brien Henderson. 5 granddaughters, Allyson (Rennell) Langstaff and husband Tyler, Molli Rennell, and Ashleigh Rennell and fiancé Kyle Woodbury, Reighan Henderson, and Linleigh Henderson. A brother-in-law Robert Kirby. A niece Katelyn Millard, nephew Evan Kirby. 3 great nieces Lennon Kirby, Lilly Millard, and Blake Kirby and 1 great nephew Jake Millard. She also leaves several cousins that she thought of as brothers and sisters.

A loving mother and homemaker, Diane was a remarkable cook and enjoyed preparing meals for her family and friends, most especially during the holidays. Diane also enjoyed making all the old family Lebenese dishes that were passed down from her mother. Sitto/Didi’s house was always filled with laughter from her grandchildren, great nieces, and great nephew, who loved to ring her doorbell looking for gum, candy, and any goodies she had. Diane was happiest when she was carving pumpkins, tie dying shirts, or making gingerbread houses with the children.

Diane was also honored and appreciative to have so many close friends and family who gave her support and love through the years. She truly enjoyed the dinners at the Fish Market, making her famous Mocha Sundaes, gossiping about her soap opera, reading a good love story, crossword puzzles, and talking on the phone.

A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Diane O'Brien and Michele Kirby on Saturday May 14, 2022 at 10 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Church in North Adams. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery. There are No Calling Hours due to COVID-19. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.