Diane L. Anas

Diane L. Anas, 62, of Auburn, passed away in the comfort of her home on Saturday, May 20, 2023, after a valiant 2-year battle with ALS.
She leaves her devoted partner of 34 years, Deborah J. "Debbie" Thomas, of Auburn; her loving siblings, Philip R. Anas and his wife Elaine, of Worcester, Tina M. McNamara, of Auburn, and Barbara J. Sylvia and her husband Michael, of Minnesota; along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and friends. Diane was predeceased by her parents, Thoma P. and Grace L. (George) Anas; her nephew, Philip R. Anas, Jr.; and her brother-in-law, Bruce McNamara.
Diane was born and raised in Worcester, graduating from Burncoat High School with the Class of 1978, and later from Worcester Industrial Technical Institute. She worked for around 5 years as an optometry technician, prior to working for the family business, Commercial Fruit, for many years. Most recently, Diane worked as a Culinary Assistant for College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, from which she retired in 2021.
In her free time, Diane loved sports, especially golfing, playing softball, playing Bocce with the Mount Carmel League, and refereeing high school volleyball, which she enjoyed for over 40 years. She was also the director of the Worcester Parks and Rec Women's Football League. She was a known foodie, and loved vegetable gardening, cooking, and eating her creative dishes. Diane loved to perform karaoke under her stage name, "Just D." She also enjoyed just spending time outside, whether it be camping or visiting the beach – she especially loved Scarborough Beach, in Narragansett.
Her family and friends will remember Diane for her strength, her smile, and her sense of humor, which she maintained until the end. They would like to thank Compassionate Care ALS and the ALS Association of Massachusetts for their support and acts of service for Diane.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Compassionate Care ALS (https://ccals.org/donate/) and/or to ALS Association of MA (https://www.als.org/massachusetts).
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with her family between 4 – 7 PM on Friday, May 26, 2023 at the BRITTON-WALLACE FUNERAL HOME, 91 Central Street, Auburn, MA. Her funeral service will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, May 27, 2023 in the funeral home, followed by burial at Hillside Cemetery.