Diane E. (Valentine) Charest, 73, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 21, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of John R. Charest for nearly fifty-two years. Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Jose and Laurette (Buteau) Valentine.
Together, John and Diane fulfilled a lifelong dream of retiring to Cape Cod, where they created a home filled with love, laughter, and hospitality. They cherished welcoming family and friends for visits, gatherings, and summers on the Cape, creating countless memories that will be treasured for years to come.
Diane was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose kindness, warmth, and unwavering love for her family defined her life. She created a home centered on compassion, laughter, and togetherness, and she took immense pride in the family she and John built over more than five decades together.
Diane especially loved spending time quilting with her sisters and dear friends. She was a proud member of the Cape Cod Quilters Guild, where she formed many treasured friendships through her love of quilting. She was her family’s biggest supporter and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on her grandchildren at sporting events, dance recitals, and other special moments in their lives. Diane was also well known for her intelligence, particularly when it came to trivia games, where she took great joy in regularly defeating her boys.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her three loving sons, Robert Charest and his wife Katie, Timothy Charest and his wife Kate, and Daniel Charest and his wife Kristin; her six adoring grandchildren, Ella, Olivia, Sofia, Jake, Bradley, and Brielle; her three sisters, Carmina, Cynthia, and Pamela; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Peggy, Mom says “tagged you last!”
Her funeral will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, beginning with visitation from 9-10:30 AM at the Doane, Beal & Ames Funeral Home, 729 Rt. 134, South Dennis, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at St. Pius X Church, 98 Station Ave., South Yarmouth. Interment will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery in South Dennis.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Diane’s memory may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation - www.t2t.org and would be greatly appreciated.
