Diane Appleberry, affectionately known as "Di '' by her close family and friends, was born a triplet on April 7, 1961, in Boston, MA. Diane was born to the late Lillie Mae Appleberry and William Richard McEarchen. When Diane's mom passed away, she was 13. She went to live with her grandmother from her early teens to an adolescent. While living with her grandmother Diane's creativity for the arts sparked, there with the guidance of her grandmother she learned to sew. Although Diane was shy growing up, she expressed her individuality and true fashionista with the clothes she made and things she designed.
Diane’s journey of education began in Boston Public School, where she ultimately received her diploma from West Roxbury High School. After Diane became a mom, she decided that she wanted more, and she went on to pursue a higher education. Diane had 5 daughters and because of such, she was determined to earn her degree and show her daughters the power of hard work. She earned a business degree from Roxbury Community College.
Diane's career in human services was marked by compassion and dedication, as she guided teenagers and young adults at Volunteers of America Girls Home. Her skills extended to phlebotomy, where she brought warmth and care to medical labs in Boston, forming deep bonds with colleagues and clients alike.
Diane’s passions were as vibrant as her spirit. She found joy in painting, drawing, cooking, and shopping (definitely shopping). She would spend hours and hours in the store finding the perfect item. She had such an eye for fashion. Diane could put any outfit together and she could certainly help anyone find the perfect “fit”. Diane was always the "it girl” with style and grace. Her culinary talents shone brightest in her baking, everyone wanted a slice of sweet potato pie, or her famous banana pudding made from scratch. Her home was always filled with the beauty of plants and flowers that she lovingly tended to for over 15 years.
Diane was an artist, she painted some of the most beautiful canvas. Diane had the opportunity to showcase her art and sold some of her artwork to people and businesses. Diane's zest for life was evident in every smile, every laugh, and every act of kindness she showered her family and friends with. She transformed friends into family and extended her motherly embrace to the significant others of her daughters, whom she lovingly considered her sons.
The center of Diane’s universe was her five beautiful daughters, whom she leaves behind, Shakenna Appleberry, Latiana Appleberry, Shatiana Appleberry (Jamal White), Brittany Appleberry and Erikka-Lee Appleberry, her bonus daughter Keearra Wade-Lee. Her beautiful grandchildren, Troy Appleberry, De’Sheya Appleberry, Janiyah Diane Appleberry, Daryl Appleberry and Zador Appleberry and her great granddaughter Onyss Appleberry. She leaves behind her best friend Carla Holmes and her sisters; Mamie Appleberry, Patricia Appleberry, and Debrah King (Norman King), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, family and friends.
Diane's legacy of goodwill and compassion will be cherished and upheld by her family and friends. Her memory will be a guiding star, forever lighting the way for those who knew and loved her.
Diane will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by a host of family and friends, whose lives were immeasurably enriched by her presence.
Visitation in the William J. Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre St., West Roxbury on Thursday, July 25th from 10:00am to 10:30am followed by a Funeral Service at 10:30am. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Interment Fairview Cemetery, Hyde Park.