Diane Patricia Dolan Pace

Diane Patricia Dolan Pace, 86, of New Bern, NC and formerly of Florham Park, NJ passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, May 15, 2022. Diane was born in Newark, NJ to the late Joseph and Dorothy Eleanor Dolan (nee Hahn), where she attended Lincoln Elementary School and West Side High School in Newark, NJ.

Following graduation from High School, she worked as a Keypunch Operator at the Prudential Insurance Company in Newark, NJ when in 1958, she left to start raising a family. Around 1974, Diane returned to the workforce, working in various office capacities for several companies before landing a job as a Data Analyst with Novartis, (formerly Sandoz) in East Hanover, NJ. where she worked for many years prior to retirement. While working at Novartis, Diane took classes at County College of Morris and St. Elizabeth College in Florham Park, NJ where she attained her Bachelor's Degree in 1995.

She is predeceased by her parents and a sister Dorothy Joan Heisele, and her spouse John Donald Pace where they were married for more than sixty four years. She is survived by her three children, John T. Pace of New Bern, NC, James D. Pace (spouse Barbara) of Morris Plains, NJ, and Joseph P. Pace (spouse Hilary) of Roseville, CA; and grandson Preston J. Pace of Roseville, CA. She is also survived by three brothers, Joseph "Butch" Dolan of Lake Hopatcong, NJ, Robert "Buddy" Dolan of Union, NJ and Michael Dolan of Lake Hopatcong, NJ.

After living in Florham Park for more than thirty years, retirement brought John and Diane to New Bern where she enjoyed for aviation flying their Cessna 172, attending air shows, and spending time with friends especially those who enjoyed aviation, as well as being an avid reader. They both enjoyed travelling together to new destinations in the United States, Canada, and Europe.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, May 25. 2022 at 11:00 AM at St. Paul Catholic Church. Diane will be laid to rest beside her husband following the Mass at St. Joseph Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to St. Paul Catholic Church.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Diane Patricia Dolan Pace.