Barbara J. Diani

HYANNIS-

Barbara Jean (Besse) Diani died June 20, 2013, with her loving family by her side after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Barbara was born April 6, 1950, to the late Donald Besse and Jeannette (Lemoine) Besse in Southbridge, MA. She graduated from Southbridge High School in 1968 and studied computer application and accounting at Fisher Junior College, working at the American Optical and Southbridge Public Schools before finding her calling as a medical office manager, first for the late Dr. John Rigatti in Sturbridge and later for Dr. Thomas Antkowiak in Hyannis and Dr. Richard Bravman and Associates in Hyannis. Her work in this field garnered her a prestigious mention as one of America’s Most Notable Women and a long-term post as a Notary Public in Barnstable County.

In 1969, she married her high school sweetheart, Enrico P. Diani, and they resided in Southbridge before relocating to West Hyannisport in 1990.

Loved for her kindness, generosity, and beautiful smile, Barbara baked thousands of cookies every Christmas season to give to family and friends. She was an avid reader and book collector, amassing an enormous home library over her lifetime of reading. She loved to travel, counting trips to Europe, Cancun, and Niagara Falls among her favorites. And she enjoyed time at home as well, taking her dog for walks, working in her yard, and spending time at the beach.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Noela Besse. She is survived by her devoted husband Enrico; her son Christopher of Seattle, WA; her daughter Dawn Diani-Snowdale and her husband, Brian Snowdale, of Hyannis; her granddaughter Brooke Poirier of Hyannis; her brother Paul Besse and his wife Martha of Charlotte, NC; her brother Marcel Besse and his wife Mona of Dover; her sister Donna Besse and her partner Jon Steppic of Southbridge; her brother Steven Besse and his wife Lisa of Southbridge; her brother Kenneth Besse and his wife Kim of Brookfield; her sister-in-law Meliana Diani of Southbridge; her beloved golden retriever, Chardonnay; and numerous loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Friends and family are invited to call at the Doane, Beal & Ames Funeral Home, 160 West Main Street, Hyannis, Monday, June 24, 2013 from 5-8 p.m. Her Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Victory Church, 230 South Main Street, Centerville, MA. Burial is private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara's memory can be made to Hope Hospice, 765 Attucks Lane, Hyannis, MA 02601