Diane Marie Gately

Ms. Diane Marie Gately passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, February 20, 2016. Diane was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in October 2012. She was always gracious, courageous, and positive as she battled her illness. During the weeks leading up to her passing she was surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones.

Friends and family will gather from 6 to 8 P.M. on Friday, March 4, 2016 at Culley’s Meadow Wood, Riggins Road Chapel located at 1737 Riggins Road, Tallahassee, FL. A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 10 A.M. at Unity Eastside Church located at 8551 Buck Lake Road, Tallahassee, FL. There will be a procession from Culley’s to Unity Eastside, beginning at 9 A.M. Saturday March 5, 2016 for all those who would like to participate. Following the service, there will be a festive gathering with food and sharing of stories at Unity Eastside Church. If you would like to donate in the celebration of her life, please donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org.

Diane was born in Medford, Massachusetts on November 14, 1952 to Allen and Veronica Gately. She is survived by her sons Derek and Jason Hanlon, daughter-in-law, Lillian Nichols, grandchildren, Laden and Olivia, brothers, Allan, David, and Paul, and sisters, Susan, Teresa, and Denise. She grew up in Norwood, MA, where she was always involved in both her community and her church. Upon her high school graduation, she attended North Adams State in North Adams, MA. While attending college, Diane met her future husband Glen Hanlon. Soon after meeting they were married and moved to Germany where Glen served in the United States Air Force. She often talked about how much she enjoyed her travels overseas and how that time in her life was so enjoyable. Upon returning to the states Diane moved to Albuquerque, NM, where her husband was stationed. In 1977 Diane, she was blessed with children, identical twin boys. Divorced when her sons were seven years old, Diane made her way in the world raising her boys and finding success in many areas of her life. Diane put herself through college, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of New Mexico, and climbed the corporate ranks of business, all while providing a wonderful life for both herself and her boys.

Diane was very spiritual throughout her life. Her faith was as important to her as any of her other successes. She was raised as a Catholic but later in life found spiritual growth in the Unity Church. When she moved to Tallahassee in 2000, Diane attended a number of churches before finding Unity Eastside. As a member of Unity Eastside, she developed a strong sense of community and fostered long lasting friendships that would serve as her source of joy. Diane has been described by many as a best friend, and when she truly needed support she was blessed with a plethora of willing individuals. She had a couple of quotes that she used often, “do the right thing,” and, “always make friends before you need them.” This is how Diane Gately lived her life.