Diane Suzette Spanks

Diane passed away in her home after years of living with dementia. She spent those years under the love and care of her husband and children.
Born in Salem, she was the daughter of Joseph Silva, and Evelyn Peterson. Diane leaves behind her husband Donald Richard Spanks, her daughter Suzette Diane Spanks, and her son Derek Richard Spanks. She was blessed with Derek's wife Patti, and her granddaughters Karina and Isla. Diane is also survived by her brother Darrell Silva, his children, and his wife Lyn of Salisbury. Diane leaves behind her sister Nancy O'Hanley, and her daughter Cynthia Williams of Gloucester. She was predeceased by her brother Marshall Silva. In her eighty-one years of living, she met and became life-long best friends with Sally Merchant of Gloucester.
After pursuing a degree in early childhood education, she fulfilled her dream of becoming a preschool teacher. She committed all her time to working long hours and many days to open the Goose Cove Nursery School. As director and lead teacher, she passionately taught generations of Gloucester's preschool population for over thirty-three years. Diane's natural enthusiasm, creativity, and caring approach was often remembered by her students. As the years rolled on, Diane would frequently enroll the children of her prior students.
Outside of work Diane enjoyed gardening, music, and going to the library. If there was music playing at a family gathering it was not uncommon to see Diane dancing with her husband, while motioning for others to join. Her sense of humor never failed to make everyone smile and could light up any room.
The unconditional love Diane and Donald shared could never be understated. Whenever you saw Diane and Don walking together, they were always lovingly holding each other's hand. After being married for over half a century, Donald was there to hold Diane's hand when she passed away.
Funeral services for Diane will be private. Visiting hours at the Campbell Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester on Wednesday, October 23rd from 4 to 7pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Diane's memory may be donated to a children's charity or the Sawyer Free Public Library, 21 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Gloucester, MA 01930. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com