WEST BOYLSTON___Diane J. (O’Neil) Staples of West Boylston, formerly of Worcester, MA, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on Sunday, April 18, 2021, at her home with family by her side. Her husband, John (Jack) J. Staples passed away on January 29, 2021.
She is survived by her five children, John M. Staples of Worcester and fiancé, Robyn Greener, Kathleen A. Burke and husband John of Oxford, Jeffrey P. Staples and wife Mary of Shrewsbury, Kevin M. Staples and wife Candice of Worcester and Todd C. Staples and husband Dan Jurczyk of Barre. She will be forever missed by her 14 grandchildren, who fondly referred to her as “Meme”; Ryan, Michaela, John, Anna, Jeffrey, Patrick, Johanna, Chelsea, Nicholas, Isabella, Jake, Olivia, Alexandra and Alex, four great-grandchildren; Tommy, Jack, Luke, and Emma, who had provided many hugs and kisses, three sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her loving and supportive sister, Kathleen Cavanaugh, of Rochester, NH and Port St. Lucie, FL. Over the last eight months, Kathleen lived with and provided Diane with an exceptional level of care. She is pre-deceased by her four brothers-in-law, Charles “Bud” Staples, Lawrence Staples, Raymond Staples and Richard Cavanaugh.
She was born in Shelburne Falls, MA, the daughter of Bernard P. O’Neil and Alma E. (LaValley) O’Neil. She graduated from Spaulding High School in Rochester, NH, and Becker Jr. College. She married Jack in 1959. They settled into their first home in Tatnuck Square in 1965, where they raised their family. She was a fantastic painter and wallpaper hanger for over 30 years.
In 2006, Diane & Jack moved to Angell BrookVillage in West Boylston, where they became friends with many of the community’s residents. Diane was an active member of Christ The King Parish in Worcester and was involved with CCD, CYC, Parish Social Committee, Girl & Boy Scouts, and the Woman’s Guild. Following mass each Saturday morning, Diane & Jack would spend time with a close group of friends enjoying breakfast and good conversation. She also enjoyed time with her friends from Angell Brook Village playing cards, going to lunch or taking in a movie.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Beacon Hospice and Juliet for their dedication in providing comfort and care to our mother.
The calling hour will be held at Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant Street, Worcester, MA, on Saturday, April 24, 2021 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am with a funeral Mass to immediately follow in the church. A graveside service for both Diane and her husband, Jack will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, Worcester. During these unprecedented times, the family wants all to know that remembering Diane from afar is just as meaningful as being present at her service. Your health and safety is of their utmost concern. Current guidelines for capacity, wearing facemasks and social distancing will be followed.
Funeral arrangements are in the care of DIRSA-MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 298 Grafton St, Worcester.