Diane Branchaud

Diane T. (Rocheleau) Branchaud, 76, of New Bedford, passed away from a brief illness surrounded by family on Friday, May 19, 2023 in St. Luke’s Hospital. She was the beloved wife of Ronald Branchaud with whom she shared 57 years of marriage.

Born in New Bedford, she was the daughter of the late Romeo and Margaret (Souza) Rocheleau.

Diane worked as a lunch-aide in the New Bedford School Dept. for many years, and prior to that, worked for US Ring Binder. She enjoyed playing various games, traveling, crocheting, going to the casinos, collecting dish sets and teapots, and looking for new recipes since she was an amazing cook. Diane was very social and no matter where she went, she would strike up long conversations with everyone. Spending time with family was very important, especially with her grandchildren. She was the best wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, and she will be deeply missed.

Surviving in addition to her husband Ronald, are her loving children, Christine M. Vertente and her husband Michael of Fairhaven, Carole Hart and her husband Scott of Dartmouth, and Justin Branchaud of New Bedford; her grandchildren, Stephanie Noriega and her husband Valentin of Providence, RI, Ashley Vertente and her fiancé Paul of Oaklyn, NJ, Lindsey Costa and her husband Matthew of Fairhaven, Savannah and Sierra Hart of Dartmouth, Diane and Cathryn Branchaud of New Bedford; her great-grandchildren, Logan Noriega of Providence, and Charlotte Costa of Fairhaven; her brother, Richard Rocheleau of New Bedford, and several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Robert Rocheleau.

Her funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at 10:00AM in the ROCK FUNERAL HOME, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford, MA 02745. Her visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 from 5:00 – 8:00PM in the ROCK FUNERAL HOME. Burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery on Route 6.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, www.stjude.org