Diane Marie Phillips

Diane Marie Phillips, age 70, passed away on September 8, 2023, in New York, NY. She was surrounded by family and departed this life peacefully being held in love. Diane was born on May 18, 1953, in Brooklyn, New York. She was a gentle, caring, generous, giving, loving, empathetic, strong, and persevering individual that emanated warmth, sweetness and kindness. She had a passion for learning, exploring, traveling, spending time with her family and, in general, living her life to the fullest.

Diane is survived by her loving daughter and best friend, Tonja Diane Hunt, who she treasured with all of her heart, her son-in-law Harry Carter Hunt III who always brought a smile to her face and her grandchildren Isabella Diane Hunt, Harry Carter Hunt IV, and Dylan Joseph Hunt who called her "Baba" and were her pride and joy. She is also survived by her life partner of many years, Benjamin Pacheco. Diane was a part of a large family and will forever be in the circle of love and in the hearts of her sisters and brother: her sister Maureen Goller, brother Michael Phillips, sister-in-law Joyce Phillips, sister Laura Kleeman, sister Stephanie Kenney, brother-in-law Adam Kenney, sister Marian Papon, brother-in-law Jean Marc Papon, sister Jane Detora, brother-in-law Steven Detora, and all of her many nieces and nephews. Diane was preceded in death by her mother, Genevieve Edith Phillips, and her father, Benjamin Anthony Phillips.

Diane had a passion for education and learning, which was a lifelong pursuit. She attended St. Edmund Elementary and Lafayette High School in Brooklyn, NY. She received an Associate Degree from Kingsborough Community College in Brooklyn, NY, a Bachelor's degree in Sociology/Urban Studies from The City University of New York, and a Master of Science degree in Social Research from Hunter College in New York City.

Throughout her career, Diane made significant contributions to the institutions she worked for. She served as the Director of Institutional Research at the Fashion Institute of Technology SUNY and as the Director of Institutional Effectiveness at Macaulay Honors College CUNY. Diane also shared her knowledge and passion as a college professor, teaching statistics and sociology courses. She recently retired after many years of dedication to her field.

In her free time, Diane found joy in frequently visiting her three beloved grandchildren and being a constant presence in all aspects of their lives. She also enjoyed creating artwork and capturing moments through photography. She loved living in New York City where she spent the majority of her past twenty years living, working and visiting the museums, Central Park and everything else her city had to offer. She greatly appreciated her daily walk to and from work.

A private celebration of life will be planned in Diane's honor, with details forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in her name to Better Community Living, an organization close to her heart. This agency serves individuals with developmental disabilities and autism.

Diane will be remembered for her kind and compassionate nature, her dedication to education, her appreciation of the arts and her love for her family and friends. She leaves behind a legacy of love and will be deeply missed by all who knew her and whose lives she touched. She will be profoundly missed by her daughter Tonja, who is forever grateful for her unwavering selfless love, friendship, affection, guidance, encouragement, companionship and support to a depth that she was privileged to experience throughout her lifetime.

Better Community Living

In honor of Diane Marie Phillips

Donation link: https://bettercommunity.com/donate-today/