Helen Diane Long
Born on December 31, 1937 in Jersey City, New JerseyDeparted September 6, 2022 in Melbourne, Florida
We are saddened to announce the passing of Diane Long of Melbourne, FL on September 6, 2022. Diane was a resident of The Fountains of Melbourne.
Born Helen Diane Lefevre on New Year’s Eve in Jersey City, NJ in 1937, Diane grew up in Florida. When she was a child, her family moved to Key West, and later to Miami, where she attended Sts. Peter and Paul High School, was named Kiwanis Queen, and was valedictorian of her class. She was awarded a scholarship to Barry College in Miami Shores, where she studied English and graduated summa cum laude. After an internship at the Miami Herald, Diane taught English at Coral Gables High School in Miami, and later at Rutgers Preparatory School in Somerset, NJ.
Deeply devoted to her Catholic faith, Diane was a founding member of St. Joseph’s St. Vincent de Paul, served as a lector, and volunteered at the front desk of Holmes’ Regional Medical Center. She was passionate about books and gardens and had an aphorism for every occasion. Diane was a gifted hostess, who absolutely cherished the many friendships she forged over the years.
Married for 52 years to her beloved John, Diane’s family takes comfort knowing that the two are at last reunited. One brother, Leo Lefevre predeceased. Surviving siblings: Pamela (Roger Walker) and Charles (Elizabeth) Lefevre. Diane is survived by her three children: Denise (Don Kremer), Christine (Ken Jones) and John (Jodie); seven grandchildren: Jillian, Kevin, Kyley, Haley, William, Allen and Thomas; and two great-grandchildren: Lewis and Murphy.
Visitation will be held at 10:00am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am on Saturday, September 10 at St. Joseph’s Chapel, 1422 Miller Street, Palm Bay.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to St. Vincent de Paul Society’s Dignity Bus in Melbourne, FL is suggested. Donations c/o SVDP Bruce-bus at 5330 Babcock St. NE, Palm Bay, FL 32905.
