Diane Bessette Lavallee, age 86, passed away peacefully after a short illness on May1, 2026, at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center.

Diane was born in Providence on July 23, 1939. She graduated from Cumberland High School, Class of 1957. She enjoyed organizing and celebrating her class reunions over the years.

She resided most of her adult life in Lincoln, sharing time with her longtime companion, Lou Beaudette. Their relationship included a beautiful friendship, dancing and summer days spent at Rhode Island beaches.

Diane also had a love of gardening, sketching, painting, sewing and in her earlier years, tennis.

Diane was employed by the State of Rhode Island as a caseworker and retired in 2012.

Diane is survived by her loving daughter, Heidi Keyes, widow of Bart Keyes, beloved granddaughter, Katheryn, and son-in-law, Robert, of San Antonio. She loved her visits to the lone-star state where she was lovinglyknown as "Grammy" and more than anything, cherished the time she spent with her family.  She is also survived by her son, Michael Lavallee of Smithfield, RI.  Diane was one of ten children born to Evelyn (Prince) and Rene Bessette and is survived by her siblings: Carol Forte, Rene "Joe" Bessette and his wife, Elaine, Linda D'Abate and her husband, Paul Zalesky, sister-in-law, Michele Bessette, Peggie Bessette, Liz Salisbury and her husband Matt, residing in Rhode Island, Bill Bessette of New Jersey and Maryanne Reiss and her husband, Ron of New York. She is predeceased by her sister, Barbara, husband, Bob, and her brother Edward Bessette. Diane is also survived by 27 nieces and nephews, 19 great nieces and nephews and a great, great niece and nephew. Her family will always remember Diane for her warmth, her quiet strength, and the love she gave so freely to those close to her.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to Diane's Life Celebration to be held with Visitation from 4 to 5 PM on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at J.J. Duffy Funeral Home at 757 Mendon Road, Cumberland, RI.

In lieu of flowers, please consider planting a tree in Diane's memory by contacting A Living Tribute, www.alivingtribute.org.

Online memorial: jjduffyfuneralhome.com