Diane R. Fortes

ORANGE- Diane R. (Gordon) Fortes, 50, of Memory Lane, died on Sunday afternoon, October 19, 2025 at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center Campus in Worcester surrounded by love and prayers following an illness.

Born in Gardner on March 24, 1975, she was the daughter of Douglas A. Gordon Sr. and Idella M. (Dingman) Gordon and lived in many areas and attended Easthampton High School.

On October 22, 2004, Diane married Gregory Fortes in Brattleboro, Vermont during her favorite time of year and enjoyed 21 years together.

A Personal Care Assistant, Diane had worked for Life Path before illness forced her to stop. She had previously worked at the Pleasant Street School in Athol for the Special Education Department.

Her family and dogs meant the world to Diane. She loved hiking, weight training and was an exceptional shooter, her favorite gun being an AR-15 Bushmaster. Diane also loved decorating for the holidays, especially for Halloween. She tried to make Halloween memorable for the children of the neighborhood including having a photo booth one year.

While Diane will be sorely missed by family and friends, her family is greatly appreciative of all the love, support and donations they have received during her illness.

Diane is survived by her loving husband, Gregory Fortes of Orange; children, Felicia Kunesch of Orange, Khristopher Kunesch of Athol, Jhonathan Kunesch of Hinsdale, NH, Cole Fortes and Malcolm Fortes, both of Orange. She also leaves behind her siblings, Douglas Gordon Jr, of Orange, Hope Bernard of Tennessee, Andrea Harris of New Salem, Anita Gordon of Athol, Tracy Bigwood of Athol, Audrey Gordon of Athol, Ravin Griffith of Athol, Jay Gordon of Orange, Michael Gordon of Athol, Dean Gordon of New Hampshire, Denise Adams of New Hampshire and Oleda Franco of Sturbridge; many nephews and nieces; her mother in law, Wanda Davis of Athol; sisters in law, Patrice Davis of Texas and Tiffany Davis of Florence, MA.

Diane was predeceased by a brother, Jeffrey Gordon, a sister, Sheila Gordon, and a brother in law, Donnel Davis.

Calling hours will be held on January 10, 2026 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.

There are no formal services and interment in Silver Lake Cemetery, Athol, will be private.

Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM