Diane Nessar

Diane O'Neil Nessar, age 83, died peacefully on January 1, 2019, in Quincy. Everyone loved Diane. She was always ready to tutor a struggling student, create a wedding veil, or teach computer skills. Diane was one of twelve siblings that included ten sisters and two brothers. Her parents, Daniel and Julia O'Neil, would make Boston's Easter parade an endearing tradition. The family marched on Commonwealth Ave. each year in identical outfits sewn for the girls by their mother. The brothers, oldest and youngest, book ended the group. O'Neil family pictures appeared in publications across the nation including Life Magazine, The New York Times, The Boston Globe, and The Boston Herald. The ten O'Neil sisters performed in many singing and dancing engagements including the Today Show with Dave Garraway and a show with the legendary Ed Sullivan. On graduating from Blessed Sacrament High School in Jamaica Plain, Diane entered the convent of the Sisters of Charity in New Jersey. As Sister Daniel Marie, she taught 2nd grade for many years. She then earned a master's degree and was an instructor at St. Elizabeth College in New Jersey. After thirteen years Diane left the order and moved to Brookline with her family. She taught elementary school in Brockton, where she met her husband to be, Patrick Paul Nessar, a teacher (Stoughton High). They married in 1969 and had a wonderful life together as educators. The Nessars also owned thoroughbred racehorses, a passion the both shared. They lived in Hyde Park, Boston and Boca Raton, Fla. They traveled to the Mideast and many European and countries in search of roots. Diane and Paul were married for 44 years until his death in 2013. Diane continued to live in Boca Raton, Fla., and returned to Quincy for the last years of her life. She is survived by seven sisters, Maureen Cloonan of Sagamore Beach, Evelyn Kiley of Squantum, Virginia O'Neil of Jamaica Plain, Julie O'Neil of Cambridge, Danielle McGreal of Marshfield, Frances Cummings of Boca Raton, Fla., and Mary June Hanrahan of Milwaukee. Predeceased by brothers, Capt. Lawrence O'Neil of Augusta, Ga., and Daniel O'Neil of St. Petersburg, Fla.; two sisters, Jane Deery of Quincy and Barbara Wampole of South Boston. She will also be missed by her loving brothers-in-law, many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Thanks to all the staff of Atria of Marina Place Assisted Living in Quincy for the loving care and attention given to Diane. The family also thanks the Pat Roche Hospice Home in Hingham for giving Diane peaceful and prayerful care. A memorial Mass is planned for May 15, 2019, in Quincy. Notice to follow. Interment at Pine Hills Cemetery, Quincy, to be announced. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the charity of your choice.