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Diane (Petit) Harris, 73, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away at Lakeland Regional Hospital on July 18th, after a brave battle with cancer.
Diane was born on Feb. 3,1947, to the late Gerard and Claire (Sicard) Petit. She graduated from Coventry High School in 1964, and worked a variety of positions over the years, including: server, manager, fitness instructor, newspaper owner, and medical receptionist. In 1996, Diane and her husband Paul became ordained ministers and established My Father's House Christian Fellowship. Everyone who walked through the doors was greeted by Diane's warm smile and welcoming embrace. After Paul's death in 2003, Diane continued the work of the ministry until retiring to Lakeland, Florida, where she met and married Russell "Butch" Harris in 2008.
She and her husband enjoyed going to the beach, bowling, and traveling. Daytona Beach was a favorite destination. At home, Diane loved planting flowers, swimming at the community pool and caring for her three adopted stray cats.
She is survived by her husband, Russell Harris; daughter Laurie (Valerien) Whitman and her husband, Steven; grandchildren Bethany (Whitman) Herron and her husband, John; Andrew Whitman, and Kae Whitman; sister Pauline and her husband, Richard; brother Dennis Petit and his wife, Donna; stepdaughter Cheryl Menhennett and her husband, Stephen; and stepdaughter Reena Edmondson.
Diane is predeceased by her daughter Michelle "Mitch" Valerien.
Memorial services will be private.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
It seems like just yesterday we were laughing together, hugging, or sharing a meal together. Diane became a mother to me and mentored me in the things of God. She was my best friend. I am glad for her that she is now in heaven and completely healed from all pain. I am the woman I am today because of her unconditional love and her memory will always live on. I cherish the many years God gave us together. My memories put a smile on my face. I have at least twenty years worth...hard to believe she is gone. But I am glad for her that she made it to the finish line and now has received life that can never be taken away again. Love you pastora. I will never forget you and all that you were my beautiful light and friend. Goodbye for now.
Sherry Hernandez
September 25, 2020
What can I say about Diane, she was a deeply caring person and pastor who I will be truly grateful to for officiating my father's funeral at My Father House Christian Fellowship in 2004. Rest in Peace.
Stephen Brochu
August 26, 2020
Brenda Callaghan
Family
August 5, 2020
She was a warm Loving and beautiful person! Her heart was pure gold! Always kind and loving to anyone she met. She had her Angel wings on earth and surely has them in Heaven. She will be sadly missed by all!
carol peltier
Family
August 3, 2020
Diane was my cousin and the godchild to my mother. She was always a loving, caring, and extremely generous person - a woman with strong, underlying faith. The people whose lives she touched proves once again in the power of love and our firm belief that it is our Lord Jesus Christ who binds us all together.
- Judy Larocque Faria
Cousin
July 30, 2020
Judy Faria
Family
July 30, 2020
Diane was my cousin and godchild to my mother. She was always a loving, caring, and extremely generous person - a woman with strong , underlying faith. The people whose lives she touched proves once again in the power of love and our firm belief that it is our Lord Jesus Christ who binds us all together.
- Judy Larocque Faria
July 30, 2020
Judy F. Faria
Family
July 30, 2020
Diane was a very special person.She was beautiful inside & out. She had a wonderful smile & a great way about her to make you feel better about anything that was bothering you. I will miss her dearly but I know she is with her Lord Jesus in heaven. & the rest of her family in eternal peace & happiness. Til we meet again - love always - Donna Petit
Donna Petit
Sister
July 28, 2020
She would always pray for my late husband Tony and me as we traveled from AZ to RI and back each summer. A loving, caring lady. Tony was Ann Sicard’s brother.
Phyllis Cipolla
Friend
July 28, 2020
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