Diane H. (Hicks) Macconnell

HOLDEN - Diane H. (Hicks) MacConnell, 82, passed away peacefully at home while surrounded by her family, on Friday March 18, 2016. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Gary MacConnell; their three children, five grandchildren and great granddaughter; her son, Daniel and his wife, Gina and their daughter, Eryl of Worcester; her son, Matthew and his wife, Diane and their children, Ross MacConnell and his wife, Catherine and Karly Snow and her husband, Tim all of Pennsylvania; and her daughter, Holly Shaughnessy of Holden and her two children, Anne Borges and her husband, Andrew and their daughter, Holly Grace of Swansea and Evan Shaughnessy of Billerica. Diane was born in Granville, New York to the late Katherine (Williams) and Edwin Hicks on December 19, 1933. She was also predeceased by her step father, Robert Jones, her brothers, Danny Jones and Edwin Hicks and her grandson, Dylan MacConnell. Diane graduated from Granville High School, and was the Salutatorian of the class of 1952. Diane was a popular and active student, participated as cheerleader, was part of the dramatic club and a member of the chorus. She graduated from State Teachers College at Potsdam, NY (now SUNY Potsdam) with a BS degree in Elementary Education in 1956. She married her high school classmate and long time friend, Gary MacConnell in 1956 and they settled in the Worcester area. Diane was a teacher in South Grafton and substituted in Holden before joining the staff of the kindergarten and nursery school at the Holden Congregational church as head teacher. She served in this position for over 35 years. Diane was a lifelong Presbyterian and served the Worcester church as an Ordained Ruling Elder and Sunday School teacher for over 40 years. As a teacher in the church and in the community she touched and impacted the lives of hundreds of children - her life work and a work she loved. Diane's volunteer work included working with Heifer Project International in Rutland, the Ecotarium in Worcester, the Wachusett Food Pantry, and served as a den mother for the cub scouts. Diane loved quilting and sewing and was able to whip up many pageant costumes for both the Heifer Project and the Presbyterian and church youth. She also enjoyed painting and collecting art and antiques, with a particular fondness for collecting dolls. She and Gary had an affectionate, loving relationship; they focused on each other and their family. Those of us who knew Diane and Gary as a couple would refer to their relationship as being "the Gold standard". They loved to travel together, camp with family and since the mid 70's until recently they spent summers vacationing along the coast of Maine. Diane was a loving and loved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother and friend. She was the heart of our family and the glue that held our family together. A warm and generous woman, Diane shared her time and gifts with others graciously. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Diane’s family on Thursday, March 24, from 2:30-5:30 p.m. at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A prayer service will be held at 5:45 p.m. in the funeral home with Rev. T. J. DeMarco officiating. A memorial service celebrating the life of Diane will be held at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 6, at the First Presbyterian Church of Worcester, 125 Holden Street, Worcester with the Rev. T.J. DeMarco officiating. Burial will be a the Mettowee Cemetery in Granville, NY at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 7 with the Rev. Jerry McKinney officiating.