Diane M. Horton

Horton, Diane M. Connally
TROY - Diane M. Connally Horton, 81, died peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at her residence.
Born in Troy, she was the oldest of six children born to the late William J. and Rita A. (Farley) Connally. She was a lifelong resident of Troy, and was a graduate of Sacred Heart School, a 1962 graduate of Catholic Central High School, and attended Albany Business College.
Diane started her career as a telephone operator, first with N.Y. Telephone as a toll operator on the cord board at 4th Street in Troy in 1964. She then worked for AT&T as a TSPS operator until she retired in 1994.
Diane found joy in crocheting, game shows, and cheering on her grandchildren and great-granddaughter. She was an amazing home cook, known for her southern baked beans and soups. Diane was happiest at any family gathering, where she taught us all the meaning of tradition, and where her warmth and strength shaped her family in many ways.
She was the beloved mother of Caroline M. (Jude) Baker; cherished grandmother of Adam P. Baker, Margaret B. (Christopher) Miller and Nora E. Baker, Esq.; and treasured great-grandmother of Mary Katherine "Peach" Miller. Also survived by her siblings, Kathleen A. (Jack) Warner, William F. (Andrea) Connally and Janice (Bruce Jordan) Connally. She was the proud "Aunt Di" of Sean M. Warner, Erina C. (Michael) La Porta, Jessica A. (Michael) Antini, Justin (Viktoriya) Connally and Todd (Laura) Connally; great-nieces and nephew, Antonio and Bella La Porta, and Giuliana Antini. Her very best friend, Donna (Bill) Shanahan also survives, along with several cousins. She was predeceased by two brothers, Robert J. and Paul E. Connally. Diane was also predeceased by the love of her life, and Caroline's father, Roger O. Ashcroft.
Her kindness, warmth, and caring spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.
Relatives and friends may call at the Bryce Funeral Home Inc., 276 Pawling Ave., Troy, on Monday, January 5, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. Her funeral service will be held Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., at Sacred Heart Church, 475 Pawling Ave., Troy, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. John Yanas, Pastor. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Troy.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Diane M. Horton to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, or Hop On Home Rabbit Rescue, 5 Sagamore St., Glens Falls, NY, 12801, or at hoponhome.org.
We recommend using the brycefuneralhome.com website to share or send condolences, light a candle, view videos or for service directions.