Diane Jean Duryea

Diane Jean (Downing) Duryea passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 15, 2021, at the age 68. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend.

She was born in Pittsburgh, and grew up in her childhood home on Braddock Avenue.

She met her soulmate, the love of her life and her best friend, Dr. David J. Duryea, at the University of Pittsburgh. They were married for more than 47 years. Diane and David taught their children the value of marriage, showing them what love and devotion look like.

A lifelong learner, Diane held a Bachelor of Science degree in biology as well as master's degree in psychology and education. However, Diane's primary focus was always on family. She chose to be a stay-at-home mom while her children were young, home schooling them for several years. After her children were older, she entered a new career as a public school, middle and high school teacher, teaching science and biology for 18 years before retiring in 2017, and moving to Gray, Ga.

Diane's passion was her family, and she treasured the time she was able to spend with them. She and her husband, David, spent much of their time traveling to visit their children and grandchildren. Diane's greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren, and it was important to her that she never missed a special occasion or opportunity to spend time with them, including birthday parties, dance recitals, first communions, graduations, sporting events or even an annual breakfast with Santa Claus. She loved to prepare for these visits and family get-togethers, and she always made sure that she had the perfect gifts for every occasion.

Diane also loved the beach, and one her greatest joys was gathering with all of her children and grandchildren every summer in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Diane's children looked to her for advice and guidance on every subject. She encouraged them to pursue their dreams and was always their biggest champion and cheerleader. She spoke with them and her grandchildren daily, and she enjoyed FaceTiming with her grandchildren when she couldn't be with them. Diane always made sure that her children and grandchildren knew how much she loved them and how proud she was of them.

She will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Diane was preceded in death by her father, Patrick Joseph Downing.

She is survived by her mother, Jean; her sister, Patricia; her loving husband, David; her four daughters, Megan (husband Andy), Erin (husband Tim), Amanda (husband Phil), and Jeana (husband Matt); her son, Michael; and her 11 beloved grandchildren (with number 12 on the way), Susan, Colleen, Anne, Madeline, Jack, Sam, Elizabeth, Caleb, Rebecca, Rachel and Claire.

DURYEA - A funeral Mass for Diane Jean (Downing) Duryea, who died Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, was held on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Macon, Ga.

Arrangements were handled by Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, Macon, Ga.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Kolbe Pregnancy Resource Center in Macon, GA, at www.kolbecentermacon.org/support.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com.