Diane Jean (Downing) Duryea

Diane Jean (Downing) Duryea passed away unexpectedly on January 15, 2021 at the age 68.  She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend.  A viewing and funeral service will be held for immediate family on Thursday, January 21 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Macon, Georgia.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Kolbe Pregnancy Resource Center in Macon, Georgia (https://kolbecentermacon.org/support). 

She was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and grew up in her childhood home on Braddock Avenue.  She met her soulmate, the love of her life, and her best friend, David, at the University of Pittsburgh. They were married for more than 47 years.  Diane and David taught their children the value of marriage, showing them what love and devotion look like. 

A life-long learner, Diane held a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology, as well as Masters Degree in Psychology and Education.  However, Diane’s primary focus was always on family.  She chose to be a stay-at-home mom while her children were young, home-schooling them for several years. After her children were older, she entered a new career as a public school middle and high school teacher, teaching science and biology for 18 years before retiring in 2017 and moving to Gray, Georgia. 

Diane’s passion was her family, and she treasured the time she was able to spend with them.  She and her husband David spent much of their time traveling to visit their children and grandchildren. Diane’s greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren, and it was important to her that she never missed a special occasion or opportunity to spend time with them, including birthday parties, dance recitals, First Communions, graduations, sporting events, or even an annual breakfast with Santa Claus.  She loved to prepare for these visits and family get-togethers, and she always made sure that she had the perfect gifts for every occasion. 

Diane also loved the beach, and of her greatest joys was gathering with all of her children and grandchildren every summer in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. 

Diane’s children looked to her for advice and guidance on every subject.  She encouraged them to pursue their dreams and was always their biggest champion and cheerleader. She spoke with them and her grandchildren daily, and she enjoyed Facetiming with her grandchildren when she couldn’t be with them. Diane always made sure that her children and grandchildren knew how much she loved them and how proud she was of them. She will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

Diane was preceded in death by her father, Patrick Joseph Downing. She is survived by her mother, Jean; her sister, Patricia; her loving husband, David; her four daughters, Megan (husband Andy), Erin (husband Tim), Amanda (husband Phil), and Jeana (husband Matt); her son Michael; and her 11 beloved grandchildren (with number 12 on the way) Susan, Colleen, Anne, Madeline, Jack, Sam, Elizabeth, Caleb, Rebecca, Rachel and Claire. 

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences. 

Hart’s Mortuary and Cremation Center, Chapel at the Cupola, 6324 Peake Road, Macon, GA 31210 has charge of arrangements. 

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