Diane Carmody Wynne

Diane Carmody Wynne, age 79, died with her two daughters by her side on December 8, 2020. Diane was born on May 29, 1941 in Boston, MA and was raised by her mother Helen Atwater Carmody and with her sister Jean in Hopkinton, MA.

Her times growing up in Hopkinton were among her happiest, and her childhood friendships lasted throughout her life. She went on to Northeastern University and George Washington Uni-versity, where she graduated with a BA in English, and where she connected with women who became her dearest friends. While at George Washington, she worked at the Library of Congress, where she met her husband Brian Wynne. Later she earned her MA and PhD in Literature from Tufts University. While at Tufts, she taught English and established lifelong relationships with mentors and friends. A valued editor and indexer she contributed to many scholarly works of those in her rich intellectual circle. Diane was a scholar, a published poet, a voracious reader and an avid writer. She was lifelong learner of everything. A devoted feminist and social justice ac-tivist, she participated in political campaigns, protests and marches throughout her life.

Diane loved nature and animals, including her many cherished pets. She delighted in art and beauty of all kinds, she had a razor-sharp wit, and boundless intellect. Diane was courageous and strong. She could find the humor in any situation and her clever, funny observations and com-ments will live on with those lucky enough to have known her. She was a deep thinker but was also playful and imaginative. Diane’s favorite things were being with her children, reading books of all sorts, engaging in various crafts, spending time with her pets, her sister and her friends. She was a devoted friend, faithful correspondent and a sender of beautiful cards.

Her proudest accomplishment was raising her two daughters who were the joy of her life. As a mother she was fiercely loyal and protective, attentive and involved, and showered her girls with a huge unconditional and everlasting love. They shared a deep friendship and life full of adventures big and small, daily conversations, shared values and interests, joy, and laughter. Mum could turn a routine errand or evening phone call into a magical experience, rich with stories, knowing looks, and private jokes.

Diane is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Brian Wynne, her beloved sister Jean Carmody of Windham, ME, her cherished daughters Connie Wynne of Weston, MA and Megan Wynne of Carlsbad, CA, her sons-in-law Gerry Schneeweis and John Gibbons, and her favorite son, Peter W. Cat.

The family will host a private celebration of her life in the coming months. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Helen Woodward Animal Center (animalcenter.org), or to the Nature Conservancy (www.nature.org).