Diane T. Birmingham

6/12/1951 - 7/31/2025

Niantic - Diane T. (Tyburski) Birmingham passed away surrounded by family July 31, 2025, at Westerly Hospital after a lengthy and brave battle on several health fronts.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Robert. She is also survived by her daughter Amber (Birmingham) Johnston of Storrs; and her son Ryan Birmingham and his wife Katie, of Voluntown. Diane had five cherished grandchildren: Eleanor and Tess Johnston; additionally, Cole, Rowan and Rosalie Birmingham. Her sisters, Jessica Law (Clif) and Gail Forsythe survive her; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, Carol (Yovino) Borges and Tadeusz J. Tyburski; as well as her siblings, Stephen R. Tyburski and Marie Lou (Tyburski) Shelton. Her son-in-law Brendan Johnston, also predeceased her.

Diane was born and raised in Norwich, before moving to Niantic and graduating from New London High School. Diane spent her early adulthood raising her children before returning to college. She graduated from Connecticut College and worked there proudly for 20 years.

Music was an important aspect of Diane's life. She was often heard singing Joan Baez or Van Morrison tunes around the house. She was a proud member of the Chorus of Westerly for over 25 years. She performed the greatest choral masterworks with the group; her joy was singing and touring Italy and the U.K. with her children and friends as members of the Chorus of Westerly.

She had a passion for gardening and nurturing many houseplants. Anyone who entered her house remarked on the extraordinary experience of feeling they were in the jungle.

She loved to travel with her husband and on her own. Her favorite trips were to Brissago, Switzerland, and Regensburg, Germany, and all over Italy.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many doctors, nurses, therapists and especially CNAs who provided extraordinary care and support to her over the years, especially in the last six months.

The Birmingham family will greet relatives and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, at the Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home, 121 Main Street. Westerly, R.I. Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, at Christ Episcopal Church, 7 Elm Street, Westerly, R.I. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Habitat for Humanity, 377 Broad Street, New London, CT, 06320.