Diane M. Manchester

Diane Marie Brassard Manchester, 76, of Kendall, NY, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026. Born on June 5, 1950, she was a kindhearted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and Gigi who touched countless liveswith her serene, gracious, and considerate spirit.

Diane grew up in West Warwick, Rhode Island, spending her summers sunbathing on the ocean beaches she loved so much. She met her husband, David, in Newport, RI, while he was serving in the U.S. Navy. Together they built a beautiful life, raising their family in the country in their custom home on six acres — a place filled with joy, adventure, and love.

She embraced the outdoors and was always ready for fun: 4-wheeling, boating, skiing, and fishing (she always caught the most and the biggest). She baked the best crumb-topping apple pies and zucchini breads with chocolate chips — walnuts for Dad. Every year the family picked fresh strawberries and blackberries, and Diane turned them into the tastiest jams. She canned and froze vegetables, filling the home with the comfort of baking.

Garage-sale hunting was a lifelong hobby she shared with David — they stopped at every single one. They loved music, dancing, eating clams, and traveling across the U.S. and Canada in their motorhome. In retirement, they spent their winters in Brownsville, TX, enjoying sunshine and new adventures.

Diane cherished crocheting, cross-stitching, and knitting with her mom, dad, and her sister Lorraine, who left this world far too early. She approached everything she did with dedication and heart. Those who knew her will remember her smile, her laugh, her love for her family, and her affection for all the family doggies.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, David; her son Jason (wife Stephanie, children Addison and Peyton) and daughter Jodi (husband Chris, children Amanda — husband Colbey and their son Grayson — Amber and her husband Heath, and Alyssa and her boyfriend Connor). She will forever be cherished.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Vera Marquerita Brassard and Joseph Leonard Brassard, and her sister Lorraine A. Brassard.

Friends and family are invited to gather at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, 16650 State Rte. 31, Holley, Wednesday July 15th 3:00pm-5:00pm, to share stories, and honor the life of a woman who meant so much.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hospice of Orleans, 14080-Rte 31, Albion NY 14411.

Her presence will be deeply missed, but her love remains — steady, enduring, and woven into the lives of everyone she touched.

Wisdom 3:1–3 “The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and torment shall not touch them… They are in peace."