Obituary: Diane E. Walsh

Diane E. Walsh, at 77

Diane E. (Rizzo) Walsh, a longtime Hull resident, passed away unexpectedly on September 1, 2026 at the age of 77. Diane grew up in Everett and in 1976 moved to Hull, where she made her home and became a beloved part of the community.

For 40 years, Diane proudly served as a “Hull Lunch Lady” at the Memorial School, where she was loved and well-known by generations of students, families, and staff. She retired in 2024, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and countless memories.

Diane loved spending time with her family and friends and could always be counted on to bring laughter to any gathering. She enjoyed a nice glass of wine, telling jokes, and spending time with the many dogs she loved throughout the years. More than anything, Diane adored being Grammy. Her grandchildren were the absolute joy of her life, and she loved watching them cheerlead, dance, and play football. She was always their biggest cheerleader and took tremendous pride in everything they did. Diane was a treasured soul, the life of every party, and a woman with one of the sweetest and biggest hearts anyone could know.

Diane leaves behind the love of her life, her husband of 54 years, Thomas (Tom) Walsh; her daughter, Jennifer McGowan and her husband, Sean McGowan, of Hull; her son, Thomas Walsh and his wife, Aimee Walsh, of Leominster; and her three beloved grandchildren, Erica and Colby McGowan and Thomas Walsh. She also leaves her sister, Gina Grow and her husband, Patrick, of Salem, New Hampshire; her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Theresa and Bob Stewart of Stanley, North Carolina, and John and Maria Walsh of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. Diane was predeceased by her parents, Gaetano and Florence Rizzo, and her beloved granddaughter, Avalina Walsh.

Diane will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the many people whose lives she touched throughout her 77 years. Her laughter, kindness, generosity, and beautiful spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, September 7 from 10 a.m. to noon at Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald Street, Hingham, followed by a funeral at noon at the funeral home. After the service, everyone is invited to gather to honor Diane’s memory; specific location details will be announced by her family at the service.