In Loving Memory of Diane Woodworth

Diane Woodworth, 69, of Wakefield, formerly of Melrose, passed away on September 13, 2026 at Tufts Medical Center in Boston after a brief illness. Diane was a beloved mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Her greatest joy was her daughter, Kathryne, who was the light of her life and her greatest source of pride.

Diane was born in Cambridge, MA on September 27, 1956; daughter of the late Lyle and Margaret “Peggy” (O’Leary) Woodworth. She was raised in Malden and graduated from Malden High School Class of 1974. Diane was the oldest and only girl among five siblings, and throughout her life she remained the heart and anchor of her family. Family meant everything to Diane. She cherished her brothers, Stephen, Jim, and Alan, and her extended family of cousins, aunts, and uncles. She had a special gift for keeping family connected and making everyone around her feel loved, welcomed, and cared for.

Diane was exceptionally skilled and dedicated in her career as a legal secretary. She spent many years at Ropes & Gray Law Firm, where she took great pride in her work and was exceptionally talented at her craft. She also made many close and lasting friendships there, friendships that remained an important part of her life long after she left the firm.

After taking time away from work to devote herself to raising Kathryne, Diane returned to the legal field, working as a secretary at the law office of Theodore Craft in Melrose. She later spent many rewarding years with the Stoneham Public Schools as a secretary in the Special Education Department before retiring. Wherever Diane worked, she made friends and built relationships that lasted well beyond her years there.

Diane had an extraordinary ability to connect with people. She made close friends everywhere she went, and she was someone people could always count on. She had an endless listening ear and a generous heart, and she was always willing to help a friend, offer advice, or simply be there when someone needed to talk. Her friends knew they could turn to Diane and would have someone who truly listens.

Diane loved enjoying life and making memories with the people she loved. Family vacations were spent in her favorite New England spots of Cape Cod, Ogunquit and Kennebunkport. She treasured time at the beach, spending time with family and friends and of course shopping! She was definitely a “shop ’til she dropped” kind of woman—but shopping was never just about herself. She could spend hours painstakingly choosing just the right gift or trinket for family and friends, putting so much heart and thought into every gift she gave. For Diane, the best moments were often the simplest ones: being together, talking, laughing, and enjoying one another’s company.

Above all, Diane was a devoted mother. Kathryne was her joy, and the love and bond they shared were at the center of Diane’s life. She was incredibly proud of Kathryne and the dedicated teacher she had become. Diane loved hearing the stories Kathryne shared and took great interest in the children who meant so much to Kathryne. Diane was always looking for ways to help Kathryne with all kinds of classroom essentials. Diane had an extraordinary closeness with Kathryne. Their relationship was filled with love, laughter, occasional disagreements and an unbreakable bond that made them not only mother and daughter but true companions.

Diane was also a loving aunt to nieces and a nephew who are more like siblings than cousins to Kathryne. She adored her nieces Lauren and Meghan as well as her nephew Brendan, whose passing before hers was a profound loss.

Diane was predeceased by her beloved parents, Margaret and Lyle, her brother Keith and by her nephew, Brendan.

She leaves behind her daughter, Kathryne Beagan and partner Brad Hickox of Saugus; her brothers, Stephen Woodworth of Pocasset; Jim Woodworth of Everett; Alan Woodworth and his wife Maureen of Melrose; her nieces, Lauren Olagunju and husband Akin of Wakefield, Meghan Woodworth of Melrose; grandniece Scotland of Wakefield; her extended family; and the many dear friends she gathered throughout her life. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

Diane was the family anchor—the one who listened, cared, connected, and loved with her whole heart. She brought people together and made them feel that they mattered. Her place in the family and in the lives of her friends can never be replaced.

Her legacy is the love she gave so freely, the friendships she nurtured, the family she cherished, and the countless people who will always remember Diane with love and gratitude.

She will be loved, remembered, and missed always.

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster Street, Melrose. A Celebration of Diane’s Life will begin at 5:00 PM immediately following visitation. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Diane’s memory to The Brendan “Woody” Woodworth Memorial Golf Tournament (benefitting the pediatric heart transplant program at Boston Children’s Hospital), 65 Hawes Ave., Melrose, MA 02176. Or alternately, any children’s charity of your choice.