Diane F. Desmarais

1954 - 2014

Diane F. (Ehle) Desmarais, 60, of Bristol, passed away peacefully November 24, 2014, surrounded by her devoted family. She was born on August 8, 1954 and raised in West Hartford, the daughter of George and Norma (D'Arche) Ehle. Diane is survived by her high school sweetheart and husband of 38 years, David C. Desmarais of Bristol. She also leaves behind her loving children, son and daughter-in-law Matthew and Gina Desmarais of Fuquay-Varina, NC, son and daughter-in-law Peter and Tiffany Desmarais of Bristol, and daughter and future son-in-law Katharine Desmarais and Benjamin Floren of New Britain. In addition, Diane leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Michael, Ella, Aela and Julia Desmarais. Diane is survived by her brother and sister-in-law Gary and Amy Ehle of West Hartford and sister and brother-in-law Nancy and David Bellis of Mt. Airy, NC, as well as many nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind countless friends. Diane was predeceased by her loving parents and her father and mother-in-law, Camille and Marjorie (Crosby) Desmarais of Alabama. She attended West Hartford schools and earned her Masters degree while educating children with special needs before teaching first grade at St. Brigid School. She particularly loved teaching children how to read and was a creative soul who enjoyed making jewelry. She retired from teaching to care for her parents until their death, finding great meaning in the time she spent with them. Diane was very involved in her church community, St. John's Episcopal Church in Bristol, where she loved to sing with the choir and serve God and her community. In addition, she was a Master Barn Raiser with the Northford Timber Framers, a group that erects timber frame barns across New England, donating proceeds to help families in need. She loved the ocean and enjoyed boating with her husband, taking trips up the Hudson and down the Eastern seaboard. Diane was a woman of immense faith and positivity who enjoyed sharing her spirituality with family and close friends. It was this faith that helped her battle illness for nearly fifteen years and face each setback with grace and humor. Most of all, Diane was a loving and wonderful mother, wife and friend, whose greatest joy came from the time she spent with those she loved. All those who knew Diane would attest to her wise, humorous and positive nature. Her family knows that her time spent as their wife, mother, grandmother, and friend was a true blessing and she will be greatly missed. Calling hours are Friday 6-8pm at St. John's Episcopal Church, 851 Stafford Ave., Bristol. The funeral service and reception will follow at 10 on Saturday, at the same location. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Northford Timber Framers at 254 Old Post Rd., Northford, CT 06472 or to Shepard Meadows Therapeutic Riding Center, a non-profit organization providing therapeutic riding lessons to children and adults suffering from disabilities at P.O. Box 2826, Bristol, CT, 06011.