Diane C. Donohue

Diane C. Donohue 

March 23rd, 1949 – December 30th, 2023 

Surrounded by love, Diane C. Donohue, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to all, passed away on December 30, 2023 at age 74. Her high school yearbook quote read, “The smile that won’t come off,” a description she embodied her entire life. 

Diane was the oldest child of Mary and James Corcoran. She lived in East Hempstead, moved to Kew Gardens, Queens, and eventually to Deer Park, where she grew up with her dear siblings Maureen, Kathleen, James, and Michael.

Diane graduated from Deer Park High School in 1966 with her cosmetology license. In 1968, she married her high school sweetheart, William P. Bennett, Jr., and built a loving home in Deer Park with their two children, William and Krista (DeMaio). William P. Bennett, Jr. passed away in 1987, and Diane picked up the pieces for her young family, showing them immense strength, resilience, and love. 

In 1991, Diane married Timothy L. Donohue, who embraced her children as if they were his own. She gained a tremendous extended family she loved dearly. Diane made a career switch in the 90s and became the office manager of Mid-Island Pediatrics in Farmingdale, where she was beloved by staff and patients. 

Diane’s true joy in life was her family. Along with Timothy, she witnessed her children's weddings. She treated her son-in-law, Thomas DeMaio, and daughter-in-law, Theresa (Matulich), as her children. She retired in 2013 to spend time with her five granddaughters: Aubrey, Addison, Gemma, Emily, and Mila, who cherished their time with their Grandma and “Mamoo.” 

She loved to plant flowers, decorate her home, and spend time on the Great South Bay in the boat Timothy named after her: “My Little Redhead.” Diane accomplished many great things on paper, but the greatest can’t be adequately captured in words because it’s the feeling she gave others. She made everyone feel special, whether they were her family or a perfect stranger. She zeroed in on what one needed—love, guidance, support, wisdom—and gave it freely. Diane exuded warmth and compassion.

In her final days, Diane talked of love, kindness, forgiveness, and consideration—"the most important things in life.” It’s how she lived every day and the legacy she leaves for Timothy, William, Krista, Thomas, Theresa, her granddaughters, and all the family and friends who loved her dearly. 

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at the Visitation services on January 3rd, 2024, at the Mangano Family Funeral Home at 1701 Deer Park Ave, Deer Park, NY 11729. The first Visitation will occur from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM, followed by the second from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM.  A Mass in memory of Diane’s life will be held on January 4th, 2024 at 10:15 at Saints Cyril & Methodius R.C. Church located at 125 Half Hollow Rd., Deer Park, NY 11729. A burial will immediately follow at Saint Charles Cemetery, East Farmingdale, New York.

To donate in Diane’s name, please consider METAvivor, which supports research to support the longevity and quality of life of those with metastatic breast cancer.