Diane Louise Trudeau, of Westfield, MA, passed away on August 10, 2023. Diane was the daughter of Dr. Armand and Margaret (Leland) Trudeau of Holyoke, MA. She attended Holyoke schools and was a fixture at Holyoke Animal Hospital, which her father established in 1934. Her love of animals began as a small child at her father's side "helping" his canine and feline patients with their veterinary needs. Diane graduated from Mt. Ida College, married, and had two children, Lisa and Matthew. In 1976, she moved to Easthampton, where her children attended school.  Diane worked at Xidex Corp. in Holyoke before her decades-long career at Westfield State College where she developed lasting friendships.

Diane was a devoted mother and her children feel gratitude for her nurturing and deep sadness at her passing.  A formidable Scrabble player and voracious reader, Diane was funny and brilliant and she was engaged with her community as a Girl Scout troop leader and active member of the Easthampton Congregational Church. Becoming a grandmother in 2001 was one of the greatest joys of Diane's life. A lifelong resident of Massachusetts, Lake Sunapee, New Hampshire was where Diane was happiest. Generations of her family spent summers on the lake, where she waterskied and sped around in her Chris-Craft boat.

Diane is survived by her children Lisa Szarkowski of Northampton, Matthew Szarkowski and wife Nicole of Belchertown, cherished grandsons Alexander and Cameron Szarkowski, sisters Gail Trudeau and Peg Dunham, nieces Maura and Hilary Dunham, and grand niece Kyla Dunham.

O' Brien Family Funeral Home in South Hadley is handling arrangements.  For more information or to make online condolences, please go to obrienfamilyfh.com. A private burial will be followed by a celebration of Diane's life in Sunapee, NH later this Fall. Contributions in Diane's memory may be made to:

Westfield Homeless Cats Project - it is peak kitten season - please consider adopting or donating. 1124 East Mountain Road Westfield, MA 01085 or https://www.facebook.com/westfieldhomelesscatprojectadoptions/

Second Wind Dreams

https://www.secondwind.org

Lake Sunapee Protective Association

https://www.lakesunapee.org/support-lspa