Diane Elizabeth Lamprey, 82
Dateline: Cape Coral, Florida
Diane Elizabeth Lamprey, formerly Diane E. (Cross) Johnston, age 82, of Cape Coral, FL passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, December 31, 2022 at Cape Coral Hospital. Diane was the beloved wife of the late Ralph B. Lamprey, who passed in 2016, and the late Charles James Johnston, whom she married in 1962 and with whom she lived and raised four children in Norton, MA until his death in 1984.
Diane was a devoted mother and grandmother, loving daughter and sister, beloved aunt, and cherished friend to many. She had a long career as a bus driver for the South Eastern Regional School District where she took great pride in always getting her students to and from school safely. After she retired, Diane enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She loved traveling, especially on cruise ships, calling bingo games, playing cards, painting, enjoying Sunday brunch (Bloody Mary included), listening to music (especially Patsy Cline), and attending live theater. Diane lived most of her retirement years at Towerwood Park in Lake Wales, FL and at The Dorchester in Pineville, NC, where she had many dear friends.
Preceded in death by her parents, Edward & Lauretta Cross, and her sisters, Lauretta (Honey) Ornellas & Bernadine (Bea) Claflin, Diane is survived by her daughter Karen Johnston and her husband, Gavin Dowell of Charlotte, NC; Daughter Kathy (Johnston) Boni and her husband David of Hopedale, MA; daughter Kendra (Johnston) Depril and her husband Marco of Cape Coral, FL; and her son Charles Johnston and his fiancé Lena Brayman of St Cloud, FL. Diane also leaves behind nine grandchildren: Kelly Boni, Charles (CJ) Johnston, Michael Johnston, Taylor Dowell, MJ Depril, Kiera Dowell, Morgan Depril, Lathan Dowell, and London Dowell, as well as her faithful and trusted canine companion, Maggie.
Diane was an incredibly strong and courageous woman who, after the accident that took her legs eight years ago, continued to live life to the fullest, never allowing her disability to slow her down. Though there were things she could no longer do on her own, she chose not to dwell on her losses and focused instead on learning new skills that allowed her to continue to enjoy a happy and fulfilling life. Diane was an inspiration to all who knew her. She, along with her fun-loving spirit, sense of humor, and contagious laugh, will be missed.
Her Funeral Mass, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be celebrated on Saturday, January 14th at 10:00 A.M. in Saint Mary’s Church, 1 Power Street, Norton. Burial will follow at the Timothy Plain Cemetery in Norton.
Visiting hours are omitted and in lieu of flowers, Diane’s family has requested that donations in her memory be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 209 West Central Street, Suite 207, Natick, MA 01760.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Norton Memorial Funeral Home, 19 Clapp Street, Norton.
To send her family a message of condolence, please visit www.nortonmemorial.com