Diane L. Smith

A loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who considered everyone's children her own. 

Diane Smith 78 years old of Methuen Massachusetts died peacefully in her sleep on March 24th 2024 surrounded by family following a long and courageous battle with cancer. 

Diane was born in Malden Massachusetts in 1945 to James and Thelma Hiltz. She was the youngest of five children and she was loved by them all.

Diane married twice in her life. She had six children and two stepchildren. Russell Lecaroz Jr and Courtney, Marjorie Lecaroz and Jim, Tina Thomas and Dean, James Fitzpatrick and Suzanne, Christopher Smith and Danielle DiRuzza.

Diane also had a very special relationship with her niece Carol Lee Rocha. They were raised together as sisters and remained extremely close throughout the years.

Diane was also blessed to have many grandchildren and great-grandchildren she was blessed to be close to them and the memories of those bonds will be cherished.

She also loved animals she shared her home with her dog Diesel and her cat's Churchill and Capone which she adored.

Diane had a long career with the City of Lawrence Massachusetts. She was a crossing guard for nearly 20 years. She was an award recipient for her commitment to the city. She loved her job and she loved caring for and watching over all of the children.

Diane has always loved cars and auto racing she could remember nearly every car she ever owned. Diane also loved art. She was an amazing freehand artist and she loved to draw and paint. In her later years Diane took up knitting and she made sure to pass on some of her knitting to all of her friends and family.

Diane will always be remembered for her love of family, automobiles, animals, gardening and auto racing. She will be remembered fondly and with great love.

Diane was preceded in death by her son Brian E. Lecaroz, her daughter Pamela (Lecaroz ) Forgione and her husband Edward J. Smith.

A gathering of family and friends will be on Saturday April 27, 2024 from 10 am to Noon at the Dewhirst Boles Funeral Home 80 Broadway, Methuen. To leave an online condolence, please visit Diane’s tribute page at www.dewhirstbolesfuneral.com.

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