"My sister Pat lived across the street from Diane. I loved talking with her-she was so upbeat, interested and interesting. I enjoyed knowing her and I?ll never see yellow roses without thinking of Diane and her beautiful roses. I?m so sorry for your loss of this wonderful lady. Annette Pelletier "
In loving memory of
Diane Archibald O'Hara
August 28, 1937 - January 18, 2023
Diane A. O'Hara, 85, of Newport passed away on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at home surrounded by her loving family.
Diane was born on August 28, 1937 in Malden, MA to Loring and Margorie (Bayless) Spranker. She was the second of two daughters. Diane grew up in Swampscott, MA and graduated from Swampscott High School in 1955.
Diane met and married the love of her life, George F. O'Hara on May 18, 1957. They were married for 63 years and together raised 7 children. After spending her early years of marriage raising her children, she focused her studies on health care. She graduated from the first Certified Nursing Assistant program in the Vocational Education Program at Roger's High School in Newport. Diane was a Nursing Assistant and private duty caregiver at both Newport Hospital Emergency Department and private residences for over 20 years. Her greatest accomplishment, however, was her life-long contributions to her family as a wife, mother, and homemaker to her husband, children and grandchildren. Her large extended family and friends meant the world to her.
Diane reinvented herself in the last several years by immersing herself in her community and especially the Edward King House Senior Center, a magnificent hub for people over 50 years old in the Newport community. She volunteered at the center as well as taking part in multiple exercise and social activities.
Diane is survived by her children: Terry (Ted) Reagle, Janet (Mike) Healy, Mary (Jim) Mackenzie, George (Kerry) O'Hara, John (Valerie) O'Hara, Ruth (Kevin) Lyons, and her daughter-in-law: Nancey O'Hara Schnelli (Craig Schnelli). She leaves 14 grandchildren: Michael, Steven, Cam, Billy, Liam, John, Elyse, Packy, Anna, Katherine, Sean, Franny, Elia and Abby.
Diane was predeceased by her husband George, her son Bill and her sister, Margie.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Newport Hospital and Hopehealth Hospice.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023, from 4pm-7pm at Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, January 23, 2023, at 10 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church, at Spring and Williams St., Newport. Burial will immediately follow at St. Columba Catholic Cemetery, 465 Brown's Ln., Middletown.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to: Edward King House Senior Center Memorial Fund, 35 King St., Newport, RI 02840 or, please see website www.edwardkinghouse.org
Tributes
"To the O'Hara families......our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. We remember the family growing up and attending RHS. We recently lost our mom, also a nurse at the hospital, so we know the void the passing of your mom leaves. In special blessings......the Viau Family"
"Beauty lies in the life that one has lived, such as the life of Mrs. O'Hara. A one of a kind, rare gem who will forever be remembered as that smiling light and shining example of caring. May the countless beautiful memories of Mrs. O'Hara forever warm your hearts and bring smiles to your faces, even behind the tears you shed. Now in God's loving care, she rests. Acts 24:15; Psalms 37:29"
"Aunt Diane will be greatly missed and was a wonderful example of a life well lived. She was generous with her time & spirit that she shared with her sister-in-law, Darrell. She recalls when they were younger, raising children together and catching fire flies on the Cape. My condolences to the family. It was great that you all were able to pull together and make here final months full of family & comfort. Love to you all. Karen Holmes"
"I am so shocked that dear Diane left us. I just joined the Senior Center at the Edward King House and who was there with open arms, Diane. She welcomed me and we watched a movie together. Then we talked about exercise class she was going to. I was very impressed. I knew her from her daughter Terry and all things community. She was a wonderful person. I want to send my condolences to Terry and her whole family. May she rest in peace."
"I was fortunate enough to spend much of my childhood at the O'Hara.s. Mrs. O'Hara was such a giving, hard working lady that always took a genuine interest in making sure everyone was happy and keeping busy. She made raising a large family look easy. My sincere sympathy to all the O'Hara.'s. "