New Bedford – Diane E. Audette, age 55, of New Bedford, formerly of Westport, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 after a long illness. She was the loving fiancée of Karl Santos of New Bedford.
Diane was the daughter of the late Frank E. Orr and Kathleen M. (Halloran) Malenfant. She regularly tended bar throughout the Southcoast area and was the former owner of Retro Grille. Diane was an avid music lover who enjoyed spending time with family and shooting pool on Monday nights with her APA league. She was a passionate sports mom who loved to volunteer and hang out with friends at the P.A. Club.
Including her fiancée, she is survived by two sons: John Gagnon, Jr. and his girlfriend Alexandra Dispirito of Westport and Andrew Audette and his girlfriend Amanda Higgins of New Bedford; her sister: Wendy Lajoie and her husband Scott of Westport; and brother: John P. Orr of Westport. She was the aunt of Danielle Desmarais, Erica Ponte, Shelby and Charlotte Orr and the late Chelsea Ponte, and is also survived by two great nephews and many cousins and friends.
Her visiting hours will be held on Tuesday evening, July 21, 2020 at Perry Funeral Home from 5:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. Her funeral will take place on Wednesday morning, in the funeral home, beginning at 10:00 A.M. followed with a service to take place at 11:15 A.M. Burial will immediately follow in Rural Cemetery.
Flowers are accepted and greatly appreciated by the family.
All attendees for visiting hours and funeral services are required by current mandated restrictions to wear a face covering and to practice social distancing of 6 feet. Attendance will be limited in order to meet the mandated capacity restrictions.
Arrangements are placed in the care of Perry Funeral Home 111 Dartmouth St. New Bedford, MA 02740. Please see our website: www.perryfuneral.com for condolences.