Dianne Marie Lang

Dianne was born on February 1, 1946, in Montague, MA, the first of six children born to the late Joe and Mary (Varilly) Ward. Her father was a pilot in World War II and flew his plane, “Buzz Job,” on many missions to Italy and other European countries. After living in Greensboro, NC, then Beaumont Texas for several years, they settled back in her mother’s hometown of Greenfield, MA, where she graduated from Greenfield High School in 1964.

Growing up, she loved being in a big family and had great relationships with her sisters, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law and late brother, throughout the years. She treasured frequent gatherings with them in the last few years in fun places like Myrtle Beach and Cape Cod.

She married and moved to St. Joseph, MI and had two children, Michelle & Brian. She loved living near the shores of Lake Michigan, and beach days were a favorite family pastime.

She worked as a hospital operator for several years, then returned to New England, working as a telephone operator for Bell Atlantic/ Verizon in Springfield, MA. In 1997 she relocated to Dover, NH, where she worked for the phone company until her retirement. She loved being near the water again and often visited the beautiful beaches just a few miles away or took scenic drives through the quaint New England countryside and coastline.

The many great friends she made at the phone company became family to her over the years and she loved getting together with them, whether for a delicious seafood lunch or a big blowout birthday cruise! She also joined them in volunteering for Special Olympics and welcoming soldiers home as they arrived back in the US at Pease Air Force base in Portsmouth, NH.

She was very proud of her Irish heritage and her grandparents, who immigrated from Ireland. She enjoyed Irish food and music and was always up for a good St. Patrick’s Day celebration!

She loved to travel and was always excited about a trip! She loved to plan way ahead and thought of all the details as well as little extras to make things fun.

In keeping with her love of the ocean while seeking a warmer retirement climate, she moved eight years ago to NC to be near Brian and made a new batch of wonderful friends who enjoyed daily visits, painting, crafts, and nightly game playing, along with lots of laughter.

One of the greatest joys of her life has been her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was so proud of them and loved spending time with them whenever she could and keeping up with their adventures.

The last few years have brought some health challenges that she fought back against as long as she could. We are grateful that she passed peacefully, surrounded by love and family, and look forward to the day we are reunited in heaven.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her granddaughter, Christine Marie Wright and her brother, Michael J. Ward (Laurel) of Springfield, MA.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Michelle Wright (Jason) of Woodinville, WA; and son, Brian Lang (Jennifer) of Holly Springs, NC; her four grandchildren; Heather Bradshaw (Lyndon) of Farmington, UT, Christine, Spencer (Woodinville), and Aaryn Lang of Boone, NC, four great grandchildren; Benson, Elizabeth, Grayson, and Adalyn Bradshaw, sisters, Debbi (Warren) Kosterman of Hansen, MA, Marybeth (Ron) Ofiaria of St. Augustine, FL, Barbara (Rob) Quesada of Laguna Niguel, CA, and Carolyn Ferguson of Holbrook, MA, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews who will all miss her greatly.

A memorial service honoring Dianne will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at 11:00 AM with a light lunch reception to follow at Apex Funeral Home, Apex, NC.

Fond memories and expressions of condolences can be shared online at apexfuneral.net for the Lang family.