Diane Rose Loehr Massey

Diane joins her parents, George and Florence (Rose) Loehr, as well as many friends and loved ones who have predeceased her. She is survived by her husband Tom; daughter Danielle and her husband Michael Hurst, and their children Lilly Rose and Isabel Rose; son Thom and his wife Anin and their child on the way; sister Kathleen and her husband John Campanella; several beloved nieces, nephews, and great nephews; and countless friends, family, and now-grown children who considered the Massey house their second home.

Actively involved in every part of the community, Diane could be spotted around town dressed as a bunch of grapes at the Brotherhood Winery, as Yertle the Turtle or Clifford the Big Red Dog at a book fair, a giant Thin Mint for the Girl Scouts, serving meals at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Newburgh, serenading with the accordion, or all over St. Anne’s. Diane was a soccer mom to Danielle and Thom, a Girl Scout leader for Troop 456, a Sunday School teacher, a mentor, a surrogate mother, and a legendary hugger.

Diane also had a habit of taking in strays, in both animal and human form. If you asked at any time how many cats they had, it was usually an estimate, because Diane could never leave an animal she saw suffering behind. Upon entering the home, you could always expect to be greeted by at least two dogs and a sing-song, “Good evening!” from Diane. She also took in anyone who needed a place to stay, including Danielle and Thom’s many friends whose parents were away, kids just wanting to spend the night, and later more long-term friends in need of a place to stay. Diane’s heart could never let someone be alone - there was always room for one more at the Massey house.

More than anything else, Diane loved fiercely. She’d never let anyone cry alone, even crying at the funeral of a stranger when she accidentally showed up early to a church. From 10,000 miles away, Lilly and Izzy knew their Nana loved them with all her heart, relishing every visit. Everyone lucky enough to be on the receiving end of that love could feel it in every hug, every silly gift from Amazing Savings that “just made me think of you,” every full body laugh, every (loudly) whispered “no, stop,” like you had your own secret, every departing “I love ya.”

Diane will be missed by everyone fortunate to have met her, whatever they called her, and she had many names: Diane, Mom, Aunt Di, Miss Diane, and maybe her proudest, Nana. Her fierce love and legendary hugs stretch far beyond Orange County, and her passing will be felt by anyone who came in contact with her.

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Donations in Diane's name may be made to St. Anne Episcopal Church Outreach, 179 East Main Street, Washingtonville, New York 10992. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.davidtfergusonfh.com.

In Diane’s memory, when it’s safe, do your best to give a long, tight, Diane hug, as often as possible.