Diane Willis

Diane Willis of Manchester, CT, beloved widow of Robert (Bob) Willis since 2015, passed away on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at home surrounded by loving family. She was born on May 20, 1933 in Manchester, CT to the late William N. Sweet Sr. and Leona Blais Sweet. She graduated from Manchester High School in 1951 and lived in Manchester, CT for seventy-two more years. Diane and Bob were known across town for their family business, Don Willis Garage, and its positive impact on the community until it closed in the mid-eighties. Later, Diane enjoyed her work at MARC, Inc. helping members of the community with disabilities manage their finances. Throughout her life, she was an active choir member at Second Congregational Church for over 60 years where her O Holy Night solo was featured each year on Christmas Eve. She will be most remembered for her quiet but competitive spirit. Diane enjoyed golfing at the Manchester Country Club and frequented the Manchester Senior Centers cribbage tables. She also enjoyed bowling with her team at Silver Lanes for many years (and would want you to note her 200 average). Diane proudly wore the mantle of armchair coach for the Boston Celtics and Red Sox and professional brownie and tootkay (a meat pie) baker for holidays and family events.
As a loving mother, aunt, and grandmother, Diane will be dearly missed by her children: Georgia W. Gaudette and her husband Joseph Gaudette, Brenda L. Fazzino and her husband Wayne Fazzino, and Kenneth R. Willis and his wife Kelly Willis, as well as her grandchildren (Darren, Lisa, Natalie, Evan, Ryan, Sarah, and Ella) and great-grandchild (Avery). Calling hours will be Thursday, December 7, 2023 from 4-6pm at the Holmes/Watkins Funeral Home, 400 Main Street, Manchester, CT. A graveside burial will be held on Friday, December 8, 2023 at 10:30am at East Cemetery in Manchester, CT, 220 E Center St, Manchester, CT. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Dianes memory may be made to Second Congregational Church, 385 N Main St, Manchester, CT. To leave an online condolence or to visit Dianes tribute, please visit www.holmeswatkins.com








Services

Calling Hours / Wake
Thursday
December 7, 2023
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Holmes Watkins Funeral Home
400 Main Street
Manchester, CT 06040


Burial
Friday
December 8, 2023
10:30 AM to 11:00 AM
East Cemetery, Manchester
240 East Center Street
Manchester, CT 06040