Diane Gusa-Woerner

Diane Gusa-Woerner of Durham, NC passed away on January 20, 2026, at the age of 78. Diane was born on June 27, 1947 in Brooklyn, NY before her family moved to Patchogue, Long Island and later Berkeley Heights, NJ. Diane graduated from Governor Livingston High School and earned her associate's degree from Union College, completing radiography training at Overlook Hospital.

Diane dedicated much of her life to helping others. Early in her career she journeyed to Kenya as a Peace Corps volunteer where she taught X-Ray Technology and met her first husband, Umbisa Kendeli Gusa. After she completed her tour with the Peace Corps, she journeyed across the world, visiting several countries, having many adventures, and learning about different cultures. Shortly after returning home, her son Adembesa was born. Adem was the 'apple of her eye' and she never tired of watching him grow and develop professionally. Throughout her long career at Overlook Hospital in Summit, NJ, Diane learned and applied numerous radiology technologies and instructed many new X-Ray techs, assisting in their professional development.

Diane was known for her kind, loving, and nurturing personality, always putting family first. After remarrying, she lived for many years in Clinton, NJ enjoying time with family and friends and life on the pond. Upon retirement and the loss of her loving husband, James Woerner, Diane moved to Durham, NC to be active in her grandchildren's lives. Her commitment to family was evident in her favorite activities, which included hosting Sunday dinners, and organizing family vacations and holiday events. Christmas was her favorite.

She is survived by her beloved son, Adem Gusa, daughter-in-law, Asiya Gusa, grandchildren, Layla and Adalo Gusa and loving siblings, Carolyn Rogers, Greg O'Connor, Paul O'Connor and Beth McQuaid. Diane was preceded in death by her husband James, and her parents, Elizabeth and Robert O'Connor.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 10 am at Our Lady of Peace Roman Catholic Church, 111 South St, New Providence, NJ 07974.