Diane Mary Wilson

Sunrise

It has been said that the most beautiful part of a sunrise are the moments before the sun

even shines. The clouds take on a purple-ish color as we all sit in great anticipation for

what light it will bring to that day. Often that sunrise takes longer than we think but

eventually the sun beams its beautiful light upon us all.

Diane Mary Wilson’s light was well worth that wait. Taking a note from her favorite song

quote above, we’d like to start by glimpsing into the sunrise of Diane’s circle of life.

Diane grew up in Wayne, NJ, the daughter of Robert and Leona Mulvihill. Even at an

early age it was evident that Diane was an incredibly unselfish, supportive, and

compassionate child who always wanted what was best for her family.

Her mother LeeLee especially recognized Diane’s beautiful light through their shared

passion of being homemakers. Together they embraced the changing of the seasons by

decorating (and often spontaneously renovating) every corner of the love-filled home.

Diane’s positive attitude shined brightly upon all seven of her siblings to include Joe,

Ellen, Mary, Christine, Laura, Bobby, and Stevie. She was an inspiration to all brothers

and sisters, so strong in her faith that she could bring a joyful perspective to even the

most difficult situation. She would always listen to the woes of others and then quietly

give them the strength to endure and embrace the positive.

Sunshine

After daybreak, the sun's light quickly expands and reaches its highest point in the sky

beginning to explore new spaces. In her early twenties, Diane’s light explored such new

spaces shimmering brightly down to the Jersey Shore. Diane, a surfer girl at heart,

happened to shine her infectious smile upon one beach boy in particular: Peter Andrew

Wilson aka “Hugger”.

On one of their first dates, driving down the Garden State Parkway in Peters’ 67’ ragtop

Chevy the song “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” came on by the Beach Boys. Diane was singing and

dancing in the car to the song, then looked over at Hugger as the lyrics “and we could be

married...and then we’d be happy” played. In that moment, Diane beamed a smiled

towards Peter and said “you know we could do this...and it really would be nice ”. In that

moment they both knew.

Hugger sold that 67’ Chevy and bought her a diamond ring. Peter and Diane were

married fourteen months later on September 14th, 1975. Supplied with a strong faith in

both God and one another they decided to grow their beautiful family in Toms River,

NJ. Diane was blessed with three children, Wendy Yorke, Laura Lee Bochicchio, and

J.D. Wilson.

Diane’s children, perhaps felt the warmth of her light the most. As a mother, Diane

shined the brightest ensuring all three of her kids were instilled with the same

compassion, faith, kindness, creativity, and selflessness which she lived her life.

Diane was a dedicated teacher at Westminster Nursery School in Toms River, NJ.

Diane’s light continued to shine through her continuous work with St. Joseph’s Parish

and School in Toms River, NJ. Using her own creative compass, she cultivated the

importance of character, morality, and compassion in every lesson. She continued to

illuminate classrooms beyond her own with surprise guest reader visits and

volunteering for nearly every PTA activity. She continued to share her positive light.

Diane was always focused on making meaningful memories for children of all ages, no

matter the reason or season.

In fact, this time of year if you listen closely you can still hear the wood crackling from

her fireplace, smell her homemade apple crisp baking in the oven, feel her meticulously

handmade Halloween costumes she created, and see the best decorated house on the

block ready to greet trick or treaters with king-sized Candy Bars. It didn’t matter which

neighborhood The Wilson’s moved to because Diane always made every house truly feel

like a home.

Sunshowers

One thing Diane and her family learned in time is that not all skies are clear. The truth is

that one storm cloud can often cast an unbearable shadow on the brightest of sunshine.

It would be an understatement to say that Diane had only one storm cloud in her sky.

She was beset with multiple medical storm clouds in the form of various diseases over

the years.

Diane however, had a spirit too bright, a faith too strong, and a light far too radiant for

any storm clouds to cast even the slightest shadow on her life. She remarkably endured

these extreme medical setbacks and managed to turn any rainy day into a at least a

sunshower.

This positive attitude was never more evident than with the birth of her two

grandchildren: Michael and Ellee Yorke. Diane, with the unconditional support of her

husband Peter, never missed a holiday, baseball game, dance recital, play, or concert for

their grandchildren. Nothing gave Diane more joy than her “playdates” with Michael

and Ellee where she continually sparked their imaginations, challenged their creativity,

and always ended everything with one all important question: “Did You Have Fun?”

(Spoiler Alert: The answer was always “Yes, Grandma!” ).

Sunsets

It has been said that the most beautiful part of a sunset are actually the moments after it

finally sets. Diane Mary Wilson, age 67 of Toms River, passed away on Friday October

25, 2019. Standing by her side was her loving husband Peter, daughter Wendy with

husband Mike Yorke, daughter Laura Lee and husband Michael Bochicchio, and son

J.D. Wilson. Her favorite song “Ave Maria” played softly as Diane’s beautiful sunlight

dipped down past the horizon.

As we sit here looking up at the clouds, you can almost hear Diane herself reminding us

that the sun will rise tomorrow, her light will shine within it, and we should embrace the

beauty of each day.