Diane M. (Pepin) Godek, 74, of South Hadley, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2026.

Born on November 8, 1951, Diane was the daughter of the late Joseph W. Pepin and Marion F. (Equi) Pepin. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Edward J. Godek, Jr.

Diane was a proud lifelong learner and educator. She graduated from South Hadley Public Schools in 1969 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics with a minor in Education from Our Lady of the Elms College in 1973. She later earned a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1992.

Diane dedicated more than three decades to the students, families, and educators of Holyoke Public Schools. She spent 22 years as a mathematics teacher at John J. Lynch Middle School before serving as principal for eight years. She concluded her public-school career as District Math Director, a position she held for five years before retiring in July 2010. Even in retirement, her passion for teaching remained strong. She volunteered and served as a substitute teacher at Mater Dolorosa School in Holyoke. Later she returned to the classroom at Matera Dolorosa School as a part-time mathematics teacher from 2022 through 2025.

Diane’s love of learning extended far beyond the classroom. From 2014 through 2025, she served as Director of the Battle of the Books program for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield, inspiring countless young readers and fostering a lifelong love of literature among students throughout the region.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Diane was deeply committed to her Catholic faith and her community. A devoted member of St. Patrick’s Church in South Hadley, she generously shared her time and talents as a Eucharistic Minister, reader, and adult altar server. She was an active member of St. Patrick’s Ladies Guild, serving as president and as a member of its executive committee, and also served on the parish council.

Diane’s greatest joy was her family. She leaves behind her loving son, Edward J. Godek III; her daughter-in-law, Kelly A. (McGarrigle) Godek; her cherished granddaughter, Kaily H. Godek; and her beloved dog, Matilda, who was a constant source of companionship and joy. She is also survived by her brothers- and sisters-in-law, Dennis and Terry Godek, Louise and Stanley Siwy, and Roxanne Godek. She was predeceased by her brother-in-law, Kevin Godek. Diane also leaves many beloved nieces and nephews, along with a host of extended family members, dear friends, former students, colleagues, fellow parishioners, and all whose lives she touched through her dedication, kindness, and unwavering faith.

Diane will be remembered as a compassionate educator, devoted parishioner, loving wife, mother and grandmother, and a woman whose life was defined by service to others. Her legacy lives on in the countless students she taught, the community she served, and the family she loved so dearly.

In-lieu of flowers Daine and her family request you please consider a donation to one of the following: St. Patrick’s Church Ladies Guild (30 Main St South Hadley, MA 01075), Mater Dolorosa School (25 Maple St. Holyoke, MA 01040) or South Hadley FD2 Firefighters Association (20 Woodbridge St South Hadley, MA 01075).

Diane’s funeral will be Monday July 27, 2026, starting with calling hours from 8:30 to 10:30AM at the O’Brien Family Funeral Home followed by Mass at St. Patrick’s Church at 11:00AM with burial at Notre Dame Cemetery.