Diane (Chase) Eccleston, 68, of New Bedford passed away Sunday November 12, 2023 after a period of declining health. She was the wife of the late Sgt. Franklin A. Eccleston, NBPD.
Born in Acushnet, the daughter of the late Vanadious “Van” (Carroll) Morse and Milton Lee Morse, Jr., she lived in New Bedford for most of her life.
Diane was formerly employed as a real estate broker and real estate appraiser. She began lengthy career as a broker for Robert H. Gardner Real Estate and later for Diana Henry Realty. In 2004, she established Chase Appraisal Associates, specializing in residential real estate appraisals in Bristol and Plymouth Counties. She operated this company until her retirement several years ago.
She was a former member of the Greater New Bedford Board of Realtors.
In her spare time, she enjoyed making pottery, collecting antiques, making intricate bead jewelry, and going to yard sales.
She is survived by her sisters, Donna Divona and her husband Frank, and Deborah Mucillo and her husband Steven; her brother-in-law, Norman Sargent and his wife Jeana; her sister-in-law, Janet Smith and her wife Shanna; her cousin, Frank Gracie and his wife Yvette; her dear friends, David and Mary Lajoie, Kelly and Katie Botelho, and Mike and Carole Pankow; and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased in February 2023 by her loving daughter, Melissa Lynn Eccleston.
A special thank you is given to the staff of the Royal of Fairhaven for the special care and compassion shown to Diane during her illness.
Her Funeral Service will be held on Thursday November 16th at 10:30 AM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, with visitation prior beginning at 9:30 AM. Burial will follow at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Veterans Transition House, 1297 Purchase St., New Bedford, MA 02740. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.