Diane was born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island to the late Louis Darius Hamelin and the late Emabeliate Grace Hamelin from Quebec, Canada. She grew up in Washington, DC and graduated Valedictorian from Sacred Heart Academy in 1967. As a member of the National Honor Society, President of the Student Council, Recipient of the National History Award, and Star Player in the All-Star Basketball Game, Diane exhibited leadership and excelled in everything to which she put her attention.
Diane started her career at Acacia Mutual Life Insurance Company, one block away from the US Capitol in Washington, DC, then later took the position as Underwriter at Geico Insurance Company on Western Avenue, NW, where she retired after 42 years of service.
Diane will be remembered for her love of family and commitment to helping others. Although challenged in mid-life with multiple sclerosis (MS), Diane volunteered to participate in transformational clinical trials at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, MD, helping to bring life-saving therapies to MS sufferers worldwide. Diane also volunteered regularly at the Children’s Inn at NIH in Bethesda, MD, interacting with patients and families of children undergoing medical treatment.
Diane was dedicated to her family throughout her life and demonstrated this commitment from a young age. During the late 60s, Diane worked at Heller’s Bakery in the Mt. Pleasant area of DC, and with her earnings purchased the family’s first car, “Oscar”, taking her family to many areas outside of the District. She later traveled extensively to Canada and Alaska, and experienced many exciting adventures, such as skydiving - which she found thrilling.
Throughout her lifetime, Diane helped with the care of her numerous nieces and nephews, taking them on trips locally and across the United States. She delighted in adventure and instilled in this younger generation a love of travel and exploration. Diane loved to read, and enjoyed history and sports, especially MLB baseball.
Diane is survived by her siblings and their spouses: Suzanne Gray, Elizabeth Hamelin Alzona (Augustus Alzona), George Hamelin (Silvia Hamelin), Frank Hamelin (Sue Hamelin); her nieces and nephews: Marcus Alzona, Jennifer Alzona, Angelica Alzona, Joseph Hamelin, Michael Hamelin and Amber Hamelin, and many grandnieces and grandnephews. Diane had many friends, long-time and new, and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
The funeral Mass will be held on Friday, September 22, 2023 at 11:00am at St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church, 9601 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD, followed by interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Silver Spring, MD.
Donations in her name can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
