Diana M. Stedman

Westerly - Diana M. (Rivera) Tansey Stedman, 83, of Westerly, and formerly of Groton, died peacefully on Friday evening, Sept. 26, 2014. She was the beloved wife of the late Bernard J. Tansey and Chester B. Stedman III.

Born in New London, on Sept. 30, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Victor and Virginia (Downes) Rivera.

Diana was active in local politics while living in Groton, and served as vice president of the Democratic Federation Nominating Committee for the city. She also served on several boards and commissions and the Grievance Committee for the City of Groton Police Department.

She was a member of Central Baptist Church in Westerly.

Diana will be sadly missed by her loving children, Bernard L. Tansey (George) of Delmar, N.Y., Michael J. Tansey (Alana) of Chicago, Ill., Linda Eldridge (Donald) of Westerly, Steven R. Tansey (Toni) of Groton, and James J. Tansey (Cindy) of Conway, S.C. She was the loving grandmother of 12 and great-grandmother of four.

She was the sister of the late Fredrico Rivera and Gloria R. Walsh.

Diana's family will greet relatives and friends from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home, 121 Main St., Westerly. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2014, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, New London.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Diana's memory to the Westerly Health Center Patient Activity Fund, 280 High St., Westerly, RI 02891, for the care and love she received while a resident at WHC.