Diane A. Freedman

Diane A. Freedman (DiPasquale), age 82, of Wilmington, formerly of Medford, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2025, surrounded by family.
Diane was born on August 24, 1942, in Somerville, MA; she was the cherished daughter of the late Joseph and Theresa (Caruso) DiPasquale and one of four close-knit sisters who were raised and educated in Somerville.
Diane raised four wonderful children in Medford; she was a very devoted mother, always showering her family with unconditional love and support. Diane's family was everything to her; she looked forward to creating wonderful holidays and continuing family traditions. She was always there to support her children and encourage them to do their best. Diane cherished her role as "Mema" to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; she loved to cuddle and hold each baby as they came into the world, and she treasured the time they spent together throughout the years.
Diane was very close to her sisters, nieces, and nephews; following the passing of her own mom she became the "Matriarch" of the family and the glue that held them together. Diane made it a point to be in touch with everyone; she truly cared about what was going on in their lives and was always willing to lend a hand or an ear when needed.
Diane also worked very hard to support her family; she was a pillar of strength and held down multiple jobs to make sure they had what they needed. Prior to retiring, Diane was employed in the food service department at Harvard University in Cambridge. Diane's wonderful and welcoming personality had a profound impact on many of the students she came into contact with while working there.
In her spare time, Diane enjoyed traveling with family whenever she could. She was also a talented artist who created incredible drawings using charcoal or pencils. Diane's talents did not go unnoticed as she won an award for one of her drawings which was displayed in the State House in Boston.
Diane will be fondly remembered for her great faith which helped her through the loss of two sons and a grandson; she always drew strength through her belief in God and the power of prayer.
Diane was a beautiful lady inside and out; she had an endearing personality and was always willing to help others. She had a huge heart and a smile that would light up a room; Diane loved her family and friends unconditionally and she will forever be loved and missed by all.
Diane was the devoted mother of John E. Freedman and his wife Lisa of Medford, Jacqueline A. Hodgkins and her husband Alan of North Billerica, the late James V. Freedman and the late Joseph A. Freedman. Loving "Mema" of Leighann A. Hodgkins, Joseph A. Hodgkins, Miranda E. Hodgkins, the late James J. Freedman, Brittany Skyles and her husband Johnny, Mollie Freedman, and Great-grandchildren Kayzleigh, Tucker, Peyton, and Reagan. Dear sister of Cecelia DeSimone and her late husband Anthony of North Reading, the late Phyllis Morlani and her late husband Anthony of North Reading, the late Mary Messina and her husband Michael Messina of Wilmington. Diane was very special to Kim Murphy of Maine, Stanley, Paula and Jonathan Freedman of Mansfield, as well as her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great nephews, and friends.
Family and friends will gather for Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Monday, March 17th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. All are welcome to gather at the Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 18th at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St Dorothy's Church, Main St. (Rte. 38), Wilmington, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will take place in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington.
Donations in Diane's memory may be made to The American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023 or online at https://diabetes.org
To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com