Obituaries

We worked with Diane when she was the Northborough-Southborough Preschool Director about 10 years ago. We just got a diagnosis for my son as well as a new medical condition and Diane did everything she could to set me up with others Moms who had been through a similar experience which was so helpful. She was very kind and when she left she left she sent me a hand written note that was full of encouragement and confidence that I would be ok and that I was doing everything I needed to do to advocate for my child- and that I should continue to do so in her absence. That meant the world to me because I felt like I would be lost without her. Rest In Peace and know that we were touched by your kindness- and I still think of that note on tough days.

Posted by Jenn D. on May 24, 2017

I am shocked to hear that Diane suffered from cancer and died at such a young age. She was our babysitter in Scituate for years. I lost touch but never forgot her and thought of her often. I had heard she taught special education and that was no surprise to me because she was wonderful and caring. I am so sorry to have missed the chance to reconnect. i would have loved to see her. I am very familiar with the battle against cancer as Paul died last year from it. Dana Farber kept us going for 2.5 years. My children Mark, Cherie, Matt and I are so sorry for your loss. She has made an impact on all those lives she touched. Deanne NoiseuxCO

Posted by Deanne Noiseux on May 21, 2017

I was shocked when I received the phone call that Diane had been fighting cancer and succumbed to it bravely just a short time ago. Thirty years ago I was blessed to have been placed in Diane's pre-school classroom as a college and graduate student learning to become a special education teacher. She was the best mentor I ever had. Even when I had no idea what I was doing with her students, she believed in me, remained calm and trained me to listen to my instincts and act upon them. She had amazing compassion, but was never afraid to quietly push me to do the things I thought were beyond my capabilities. We became friends and I spent many great times with Diane and Mike in the early years of their marriage. Unfortunately, life has a way of pulling you away from the people you love most, and several years later I moved back to Connecticut. I was spoiled in the friendship arena after knowing Diane. I never did have a friendship that meant as much to me or gave me the joy that ours had. She had that way of making everyone feel like the two of you had something special and it was genuine and sincere. I feel awful, that my life situation did not make it easier to keep in touch with her over the last 10 years and devastated that, because of that, I was not there to offer support to her when she was fighting this battle. I have often day dreamed about the day when I could finally have the time and freedom to move back and resume our friendship and I looked forward to that day often. This is a huge loss for everyone who knew her. My prayers go out for Mike and her beautiful two daughters whom she is so proud and loves so much. Diane's life and how she lived it, is an inspiration to us all.

Posted by Amy Annunziato Sullivan on May 18, 2017

It is with an extremely heavy heart that I write this message. I had the privilege of working under Diane at the Needham Public Schools-Early Childhood Center. She was an extraordinary leader and friend. She had a true passion for working with students of all different learning needs and she was extremely compassionate to the parents of the preschool. I had a special connection with Diane, being a mother of two daughters. Diane gave me invaluable advise pertaining to child rearing and warned me (with a smile) of what the future might bring as my young ladies grow up. Diane always had an amazing twinkle in her eye when she spoke of her husband, daughters and family. I cherish the friendship we had and she will always have a special place in my heart.

Posted by Charleen Fabrizio on May 16, 2017

I am so surprised and of course sadden to learn of Diane's battle with cancer and now passing. We met through our kids being in day care together almost 20 years ago. I was a newbie to it and she a seasoned mom who offered comments to say this too shall pass - so enjoy the ride. We struck up a friendship as we were both early childhood educators who liked talking about our work outside of work- on the beach at Lake Winthrop, in the aisles of Fiskes, etc. She and I stayed friendly years after our children grew - always enchanting what was new. Our husbands rode the train to Boston for a chapter so there was a another connection. Having moved from Holliston nearly two years ago, I am aware I will forever miss a chance to run into Diane again though I smile thinking of her happy go lighty way of being.

Posted by Kristin on May 13, 2017

My deepest condolences to the Burris-Dunham family. Mrs. Diane Burris-Dunham will be greatly missed by her family, friends and all those whose lives she touched. Wishing to send a comforting hope for the future based on the words of our Lord Jesus Christ found in John 5:28, 29 - " Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life." May the hope of once again seeing our loved ones in a world where there will be no more sickness (Isaiah 33:24), give you the strength that you need during these difficult situation. For more information please visit: JW.org

Posted by Anonymous on May 12, 2017

I worked with Dianne for a year while she was the preK director at Needham Public Schools. I prized her wisdom and inclusiveness in all the school activities. She always had a smile and a positive comment for all who crossed her path. I'm sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you as you celebrate her life.

Posted by Caryl on May 11, 2017

Diane, even in her sickness, was an encouragement to me while caring for my brother with ALS. She cared enough to check in on me and Tom from time to time, sending uplifting words and prayers. Diane will live in our hearts as one of the kind and thoughtful people that the Lord graced us with. My condolences to Mike and the girls.

Posted by Deborah Brand on May 11, 2017

My sincere condolences to your family on the loss of such an extraordinary woman. I met Diane while she was the Needham PreK director. She was a wonderful person and always had a smile and a helping hand to anyone who needed one. I will keep your family in my prayers & send you healing energy, light & love during this time of mourning. ?

Posted by Beth on May 8, 2017

Although I never met Diane, after reading the special tributes offered here of her kindness and selfless nature, and thus knowing that she was so loved and admired by her neighbors and friends and family, she was no doubt one of Almighty God’s special angels that He sends to spread His love and grace and wonder upon the earth to the chosen few who are blessed enough to encounter those He sends. Mike, I am sad for your and your daughters’ loss but happy that the next phase of Diane’s eternal life has only just begun, and I feel certain that you will be called to join her for the rest of eternity when the mission is fulfilled…the legacy that Diane leaves remains alive in your hearts as an extension of her service to others and for the greater good that she so faithfully lived…please accept my sincerest thoughts of remembrance and condolence and know that I am always here for friendship and a listening ear if you ever feel the need to reach me…”The toils of the road will seem nothing when we get to the end of the way.” Rest in eternal peace Diane 😉

Posted by Skip Morgan on May 7, 2017

Laurie and I are so very sorry to hear of Diane\'s passing. It seems like we were just having dinner in Ashland not that long ago. We just feel terrible that we can\' t be there on the 20th for you and your family Mike as we will be out of state. Let me at least leave you with something that someone said to me after I lost my parents which I found great solace in. I hope that you and your family will find solace in this too. "We keep our loved ones alive in our hearts and minds by telling stories about them." Mark

Posted by Mark Signore on May 6, 2017

My deepest sympathy to you Caitlin and your family, will be praying for you and your family ...

Posted by Robert Johnson on May 5, 2017

I met Diane while working for Mike at a law firm in the early 1990s. On a number of occasions, Diane and Mike hosted his coworkers at their home (we even helped clear trees on one occasion!). I will always remember Diane as a kind and fun loving woman, one half of a great couple. I have no doubt she was a fabulous mother. My deepest sympathies go out to Mike, Caitlin, Becca and their entire family. With deepest sympathies, Owen "Magenta" McKeon

Posted by Owen McKeon on May 4, 2017

Having a friend for over 30 years means that you go through many of life's transitions together. Diane and I shared many joyous occasions - marriage, births of our children, pride in our families, and accomplishments of the hundreds of children we had the privilege of working with. We also shared and held each other through challenges and tragedies. Diane was always there for me every step of the way with her strength, kindness, warmth, inescapable sincerity, and contagious humor. She never ran out of time for you and nothing was ever too much. Diane always knew just what you needed and no gift or act of kindness was every forgotten because it was never ordinary. A mere picture frame or bouquet of flowers would never do. The frame always had in it a special picture Diane had taken and the flowers were always your favorite in a handmade vase painted by Diane. Very rarely does someone have the gift of lighting up every life they come in contact with. Diane had that gift. She loved her family and Mike's family unconditionally and with gusto and provided everyone with a sense of calm that everything would turn out O.K. Even when she was ill, she treated this challenge with her usual courage, tenacity, and humor. She would whisper in my ear when the two nurses from Dana Farber entered the room. The one on the left is "The Hugger"; the one on the right is "Not the Hugger" and then winked at me. We have all lost a bright light within us with the passing of Diane. There will never be another like you in my life and I will love you always. Marcia

Posted by Marcia Rosenthal on May 4, 2017

I worked with Diane at the Early Childhood Center in Needham Public Schools for five years. To say that Diane was amazing is an understatement. She had a heart of gold and it showed in her interactions with both families and staff. I looked up to her and considered her to be a mentor. Her kindness, compassion, professionalism and grace were an example for those around her. There is a saying, “Wherever you go, whatever you do, always bring your own sunshine” - that was Diane. She brought sunshine to everyone that she knew. To Mike, Caitlin and Becca - I am so sorry for your loss. She adored all of you and always talked about you with such love. May God bless you and bring you comfort.

Posted by Michelle Ganson on May 2, 2017

Diane was definitely one of the most influential people in my life. At a young age when my mom became sick my sister Diane took on a role in my life that I will for ever be grateful for. She taught me about art, theater, music, nature culture and exposed me to experiences and awesome people in my childhood that some don't see in a lifetime. Diane, Thank you for being such a huge part of how I was brought up, showing me how big the world is, teaching me to explore everything and doing so with unconditional love and kindness. I love you so much and will forever miss you. Give mom a big hug for me. Tom OXOX

Posted by Tom Burris on May 1, 2017

We are so sorry to hear is Diane's passing. Diane was very special to us through the years our daughter was in preschool in Needham. One day our daughter had a bad seizure and Diane came to our house to help care for our newborn until we had more help while we took care of Rachel. She went above and beyond all the time. She connected us with knowledgeable caregivers for Rachel. She supported us through the tough IEP process. She was a wealth of knowledge and support in the world of special education. She will be missed. Thoughts go out to her family.

Posted by Brian and Shannon Shavor on May 1, 2017

I just heard the news of Diane's passing and am in shock and so saddened to lose such a courageous, kind and loving woman. I was honored to do Girl Scouts with her early on when her daughter, Becca, and my daughter, Abby, were very young. Diane was a neighbor of mine and a wonderful neighbor. The most caring, generous, go out of you way to help you- type of person. I am so saddened to see her gone. During our years as neighbors, our kids swam together, her daughter Caitlin babysat for us, we did Book Group together and she was just one of those people always there with a smile and welcome hug. I would stop by her house inmpromtu on my way home and we would have a visit. I remember so well when I had my baby shower for my youngest son, Ian, who is now 14! Diane came to the baby shower and had the best more heartfelt gift- a laundry basket with a laundry line of baby clothes with laundry clips holding them up. Everyone at the shower oohed and ahhed at the inguenuity and creativity of her gift- it was so done with love and care. And that was Diane. She took such pride in what she did for others and was always there for other people. She adored her daughters and her husband Mike- and she supported them with such pride, loyalty and love. Always by their side and they all got along so well. Diane and Mike created a loving, caring family and they were always there for each other- with Diane as the mother being the ultimate Mom - caring for her family, her friends, her work - never giving less than 110%. Over the years, I have moved and my life has changed with divorce and different home- I miss Holliston in many ways- but I will always remember Diane and just wish I had been with her as her health declined and be there for her as she has been there for others. She was such a good, kind, loving, caring, genuine person. I am heartbroken that cancer has taken her away. God bless you Mike, Caitlin and Becca - this world has lost an angel in your mom. She was well loved, well liked and always appreciated for the person she was in whomever she met and dealt with. May God Bless you and this new Angel in heaven. She will be missed terribly.

Posted by Deb Gray (Wood) on April 30, 2017

I am so sad to say good by to Diane, one of the nicest, kindest, generous, and warmest individuals I have ever met. I feel fortunate that I had the opportunity to work with Diane at Needham Public School\'s Early Childhood Center where she was the Director for five years. She created a strong foundation for the preschool and fostered a close collaborative relationship between the staff and we became a Team under her leadership. She was passionate about advocating and supporting our most vulnerable students with cognitive and complex medical issues and their families. She was their voice. She was creative and smart and was able to \"think outside the box\" in developing programs to meet their needs. Diane loved the students and always knelt down to greet them at eye level with a soft and soothing voice. Sometimes she would sing to them and for those who students who were not verbal they knew her voice and would respond to her in their own way. She supported and mentored all of the staff to develop personally and professionally She cared about the staff as much as she did her students and always inquired about members of our families and always seemed to know who was dealing with what issues at home and encouraged many staff to pursue their education or career opportunities. She rewarded us with bagels,donuts, Comellas pizza and coffee just to thank us for doing a good job or when we were having a stressful week. That\'a how Diane was, she was always concerned about others. Diane was so much more than the Director. She was a mentor, role model, leader, teacher, counselor, and team builder. This is a big loss for the special education field who lost an exceptional leader and administrator and a huge loss for her Needham friends and colleagues. She will be missed greatly. To Mike and her daughters Caitlin and Becca, thank you for sharing her with us and please accept my heartfelt condolences.

Posted by Nancy Solari on April 30, 2017

Please accept my sincere condolences to the Burris-Dunham family. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Diane. The Bible assures us at Psalms 34:18 that God is near to those broken in heart. May your many great memories help you find peace and comfort as you go through the coming days. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Posted by Krystle on April 29, 2017

Diane helped us with our first year transition at Cabot elementary. She was amazing, one of the most thoughtful people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. How the best and most wonderful humans can be taken too soon is beyond me. She was too young, too important and too incredible. Writing this over a year and a half after her passing is a good indicator of a person's worth and how sorely we miss her!

Posted by Todd Fix on December 30, 2018