Diane Wilcox Pietrusza

Diane Wilcox Pietrusza passed away on September 2, 2024 in Westerly, Rhode Island. Born in Morristown, New Jersey in 1956, Diane lived a life of adventure, fun, love for the outdoors, and a passion for animals. She abided by a deep faith which sustained her through several difficult years struggling with breast cancer.

A graduate of County College of Morris and the Chubb Institute for Computer Technology, Diane started her career as a pharmaceutical researcher at Sandoz, then switched paths to computer science during the early years of the burgeoning technology industry. After a successful career in tech, Diane retired early to move back to her beloved New England with her mother and brother where she completed a Master Gardening program at URI, served as a hospital volunteer in Westerly, RI, and managed the office of Haversham Development.

Throughout her life, Diane relished the outdoors, enjoying skiing, fishing, boating, and gardening. Her favorite place was the beach at sunrise. In addition to parakeets and rabbits, she was the loving mom to five beautiful golden retrievers, including Lea and Lexi who survive her.

She is predeceased by her parents, Edward and Eleanor Pietrusza, and her beloved brother Robert. She is survived by her sister Janet Pietrusza Dowd of Bradenton, FL, nieces Julie Dowd (Newburyport, MA), Jennifer Dowd Furlong (El Cajon, CA), Stephanie Dowd (Newburyport, MA) and their spouses and children, her dear friend and caregiver Marlisa McLaughlin, as well as cousins and friends near and far. She was most grateful to her hospice nurse, Diana, and to her prayer group at St. Mary Church in Westerly and St. James Chapel in Charlestown, RI where she found much solace and peace.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on Saturday, Septmeber 14, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. James Chapel, 2079 Matunuck School House Rd., Charlestown, RI with visiting hours beginning at 10:00 am in the church. The family invites donations in Diane’s memory to St. James Chapel of Charlestown, RI, HopeHealth Hospice and Palliative Care of Providence, RI, or the charity of your choice.