Diane Lynn Barber

"Belchertown - Diane Lynn (Wales) Barber, passed away at home July 29th after a lengthy illness. Diane was born August 31, 1947 in Northampton, MA. Her early years were spent mostly in Goshen MA where she lived happily, with her family on a farm high on a hill. She participated in 4H as a child for many years. She graduated in 1965 from Williamsburg High School and attended Greenfield Community College. Diane worked very hard when her children were young, sometimes working as many as three jobs to help support and raise them. Diane married her second and present husband, Paul in 1991. Diane spent a good share of her working life as a Customer Service Rep. for Continental Cable in Northampton, a job she grew to love and excel at, being awarded Employee of the Year one year. The real and true Diane though was about her love of family and friends. She was the straw that stirred the family drink. She was always planning some get together, party or picnic. Her love of Christmas time was legendary. Throughout her life she had many, many close friends as well. Diane had the gift of making everyone who came into her life feel special. Diane is survived by her husband, Paul of Belchertown, three daughters: Tammy (Andrews) Thibert and her husband Ed of Sunderland, Loralee Andrews of Iowa; and Kary (Andrews) Noble and her husband Scott of Milford, MA; one sister, Judy Shaner of Pennsylvania; three brothers Rick Schoonover of Vermont, Paul Wales and his wife Mary of Brimfield, and Michael Wales and his wife Maryann of Brimfield. Four grandchildren: Amber Ouellette and her husband Adam of Plainsboro NJ, Tyler Sadoski of Sunderland, Sabrina Andrews of Colorado, and Clarissa (Clare) Harwood of Turners Falls. Diane was also thrilled to have one great-grandchild: Owen Ouellette of Plainsboro, NJ. Diane had many beloved nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by a brother, Roy (Bud) Schnoonover of Gaffney, SC, formerly of Warren, MA., and by her parents Sherwood and Grace Wales of Warren, MA. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, August 5th at 11:00 am at the Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider Hospice Of Cooley Dickinson Hospital, 168 Industrial Dr., Northampton, MA 01060 or The Amherst Survival Center, Po Box. 9629 N. Amherst, MA 01059. "