Dianne M. Farrell

When born we are never promised a life that will be easy. It is however the universal prayer and hope that life will be filled with unconditional love and times of sheer joy and happiness…simple pleasures and gratitude for the people who cross our paths. Life becomes about the experiences with people in it. Perhaps later in life we surrender with a willingness to accept change while remaining mindful of our blessings. Lorette Bourgeois' prayers for her only child were answered and they were each other's source of strength throughout her 57 years. Dianne's nearly 30 year struggle with multiple sclerosis came to its end on Thursday, February 2, 2017.

Born on November 11, 1959 in Waltham she was a daughter of Lorette M. (Boudreau) Bourgeois. Raised and educated in Waltham she graduated from Waltham High School and earned her associate's degree from Aquinas College. Dianne loved her life's work as a pre-school teacher in various daycare agencies in Waltham.

The diagnosis no one wants to hear…that Dianne was afflicted with multiple sclerosis came in the late 1980's. It forced her teaching career to come to the end. While it was certainly life altering and its effects debilitating it never changed the bond of love between mother and daughter. Simple things we take for granted became highlights in Dianne's day: listening to books on tape, singing, dancing, tea and goodies.

In addition to her mother and best friend, Lorette she is survived by aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Family and friends will honor and remember Dianne's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Monday, February 6th from 5 to 7 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Tuesday morning before leaving in procession to The Blessed Sacrament Chapel at Saint Charles Borromeo Church, 51 Hall Street, Waltham where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.

Memorial in her name to Marist Hill Nursing & Rehab, Patient Activity Fund, 66 Newton St., Waltham, MA 02453 or National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater New England Chapter,101A 1st Ave, Waltham, MA 02451.