Diane P. (Benning) Roy, age 72, passed away on January 1, 2026 (her mother’s heavenly birthday) at Baystate Medical Center. She was born on May 31, 1953 in Philadelphia, PA, daughter of the late Thomas Benning and Dorothy Diane Roberge. Diane worked as a home day care provider for many years before she retired. She loved to cook and shared so many delicious meals with family and friends over the years. She entertained family and friends during her annual summer picnics in her backyard, enjoyed camping and vacations at Hampton Beach but also loved being home with her kitties, Merlot and Bella. Recently, Sunday “coffee club” with her family was the highlight of her week.
She is predeceased by her husband Real Gilles Roy who passed away in 2020, brother-in-law, Rene Roy who passed away in 2023 and her nephew Aaron Bordeau who passed away in 2000.
She is survived by her devoted sister, Debra Haskell of Ellington, CT many brothers and sisters in law who helped care for her and have been like true siblings through all the years:
Francine Roy, Springfield
Louise and Barry Lafleche, Springfield
Diane and Randy Bordeau, Feeding Hills
Linda and Scott LaValley, Chicopee
Her nieces and nephews, many who were cared for by Diane in her home daycare, all of whom were loved deeply by Diane:
Andrew (AJ) Urdzela
Tina and Michael Cabey
Crystal Roy and Keith Beeman
Autumn Dunton
Jade Beeman
Ryan Cabey
Kyle Cabey and Nicky Stewart
Danielle Bordeau
Melissa Bonneau and Juny Aquino
Kristin LaValley
Jason Bonatakis,
Bryan and Vicky Roy.
Her loving cousins, Audrey and Mike Cox, Lumberton NC
Jackie and Mark Locklear, Little River SC
Her beautiful god daughters, Danielle Bordeau, Michelle Lajeunesse and Monique Bergeron
And Bob and Jeanne Deyo now of Surside Beach SC, who were her life long friends and reached out to her every week to comfort her and express their love.
Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 from 9:00 – 11:00 AM at Grise Funeral Home, 280 Springfield St, Chicopee, followed by an in-house prayer service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be private. For online condolences, please visit www.GriseFH.com.