Diane R. Stackhouse
Retired I.R.S. Public Affairs Officer
ANDOVER: Diane R. (Lacroix) Stackhouse, age 78, of Andover, formerly of Tewksbury and Methuen, passed away at her home in the care of her family and hospice on Monday, August 26, 2024.
She was the beloved wife of Kenneth J. Stackhouse, Jr. with whom she celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary on February 24th, and the devoted mother of Jaclyn S. Lightner and her husband Kyle, of Wilmington.
Born in Lawrence on August 16, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Lionel Lacroix and the late Rita M. (LaRoche) Lacroix.
Diane was raised in Methuen and graduated from the former St. Anne’s Parochial High School.
Following high school, she attended Bryant-MacIntosh School for Business.
Prior to her retirement in 2001, she was employed as the Public Affairs Officer for the Internal Revenue Service, where she worked for 36 years.
Diane enjoyed traveling to the Caribbean and Cancun, Mexico as well as summer vacations in Maine and on Cape Cod. Her smile lit up any room she entered, and her infectious laugh brought joy and ease to every situation. Diane had an impeccable fashion sense, rarely being seen without her signature red nails and lipstick. Aside from her style, warmth, and positive energy, Diane was most known for the bottomless depth of her huge heart. She was compassionate and caring, kind and generous; always putting others before herself. Her absence leaves a palpable vacancy in our hearts forever.
In addition to her husband and daughter, Diane is survived by her sister, Maureen Foster and her husband Dana, of Methuen and her brother, Richard Lacroix and his wife Jennifer, of Methuen. She leaves her nephews Brendan Walsh, Keith LaCroix, and Nicholas LaCroix, niece Abigail LaCroix, and many extended family members. Diane was the sister of the late Russell and Robert Lacroix as well.
Calling hours are Wednesday, August 28th, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee Street, Tewksbury. Her funeral procession will begin on Thursday, August 29th, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by her Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 11 a.m. at St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 198 Haggetts Pond Road, Andover. Services will conclude with interment at St. Mary Cemetery, 90 River Road, Tewksbury.