Diane Renée Michel

Diane Renée Michel (nee Lawless), 81, of St. Johns, FL passed away on August 15, 2023 at Ascension St.Vincent’s Riverside Hospital after a long and courageous battle with illness. She was born in Natick, MA to Irene R. (nee Linke) and James P. “Jim” Lawless on August 6, 1942.

Diane spent her childhood moving around the country as a military brat before landing in Southborough, MA in December of 1954. She set strong roots in Southborough and was a graduate of the first graduating class from Algonquin Regional High School in 1960. Shortly thereafter, Diane met the love of her life, James M. “Skip” Michel. They married in 1963 and had their daughter Ann-Marie “Ami” R. in 1967. A longtime resident, Diane, and Skip lived and raised their daughter in Hudson, MA. They lived there for over 40 years. Diane was a homemaker and ultimate host for much of her life: she designed and decorated their home, filled it with warmth and love, and created wonderful memories for their family and friends. Once Ami was grown, Diane returned to the workforce and spent the rest of her professional life assisting businesses in a human resources capacity.

Once Diane and Skip retired in 2004, they followed Ami and their son-in-law, Brian J. Brennan, to Florida. In the Sunshine State, Diane spent her time on her favorite hobbies: shopping, getting her hair and nails done, and, most importantly, spending quality time with her grandkids. Her grandkids were her pride and joy; she always made time to attend their various events, give advice, and share her fantastic wit. Diane was a very kind and generous person who always went out of her way to care for her loved ones and make them laugh with her sharp sense of humor. As she would say, she was one "hot ticket!"

Diane is predeceased by her parents, Irene and Jim, and her loving husband, Skip. She is survived by her daughter Ami R. (nee Michel) Brennan and son-in-law Brian J. Brennan of St. Augustine, FL; her younger siblings Edwin R. “Eddie” Lawless of Milford, MA, Michele A. (nee Lawless) Herard and brother-in-law Euclide J. Herard of Southborough, MA, and Michael R. “Mick” Lawless of Milford, MA; and many nieces and nephews. Also known lovingly as Nanny, Diane leaves behind her grandchildren: Matthew J. Brennan of Washington, D.C., Jillian S.B. (nee Brennan) Lukacik and granddaughter-in-law Abigail L. Lukacik of Philadelphia, PA, and Grace D. Brennan and her fiancé Hayden R. Tolar of St. Augustine, FL.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass for Diane which will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Friday, September 15th at San Juan Del Rio Catholic Parish, 1718 FL-13, Jacksonville, FL 32259. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of St. Johns, 1285 St. Johns Parkway, St. Johns, FL 32259; (904)342-1011; www.hgstjohns.com.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgstjohns.com for the Michel family.