1949 - 2025
OBITUARY
Diane died peacefully on February 24, 2025, at home, surrounded by her family. She had just been enrolled in Hospice after several years battling two rare and aggressive cancers Although she lost that battle, she has won the "imperishable crown" of Eternal Life in the arms of our loving Savior. Diane was born in Manhattan, NY, on May 8, 1949, and grew up in Brooklyn, NY. She attended her parish's (St. Edmund's) elementary and high school. After graduation she earned certification as a dietary and nutrition manager from New York University and used her training and skills to care for the nutritional needs of hospital and nursing home patients in Connecticut. Her care, concern, and creativity brought comfort and joy to patients and staff alike. In recent years, Diane spent many hours at The Lunch Box of Dutchess Outreach, Poughkeepsie, providing lunch and dinner to the poor and homeless of Poughkeepsie, and also offering best practices to the staff. Second only to her family was her love and devotion to her spiritual family at Mt. Alvernia Retreat Center, Wappingers Falls. She attended daily Mass there and donated many hours replacing candles in the chapel, helping with bingo and tag sales, and baking her scrumptious chocolate pumpkin bread and other goodies for many occasions. But the highlight of her association with Mt. Alvernia came with her decision to apply for admission as a Secular Franciscan. After a couple of years of study, she was formally enrolled in January 2024, as a member of the Stigmata Fraternity of the Franciscan Order. For her, this moment was a genuine peak experience in her spiritual life. Surrounded by her natural family and her new spiritual family, Diane experienced a peace and trust that helped her immeasurably to deal with the uncertainty and suffering that two rare cancers would inflict on her. Diane is survived by her two sons, Brian Macfarlane of Providence, RI, and Thomas (Stacy) Macfarlane of South Windsor, CT, on whom she has showered unconditional love, as well as encouragement, advice (and occasional admonishment) throughout their lives. She is also survived by her brothers: James (D'Anne) of Los Osos, CA; and Thomas of Wappingers Falls. There are numerous cousins scattered throughout the country. She was predeceased by her parents, Vincent James and Rose Riccobono. The Wake service will be on Monday, March 3, 2025, at Delehanty Funeral Home, Wappingers Falls. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 4, 9:30 am, at St. Martin de Porres Church, Poughkeepsie. Burial will follow at the Wappingers Rural Cemetery, followed by a reception for family and friends at Mt. Alvernia Retreat Center. Memorial donations may be made to Mt. Alvernia Retreat Center, Habitat for Humanity (Poughkeepsie), or Dutchess Outreach, Poughkeepsie.
VISITATION
Monday, March 3
4:00 - 7:00 PM
Delehanty Funeral Home
64 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Tuesday, March 4
9:30 AM
St. Martins de Porres
118 Cedar Valley Road, Poughkeepsie, NY
INURNMENT
Wappingers Rural Cemetery
174-208 West Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY