Diane MacKoul Erickson

Diane M (Mackoul) Erickson, 58, of Holden, passed away on Friday, January 27th, 2017 at the Rose Monahan Hospice Home surrounded by her loving family.  Diane fought a long, hard and courageous battle with cancer and never waned in her hope or optimism. Born in Worcester on January 26th, 1959, Diane was the youngest of three daughters of the late Adele (Aboody) Mackoul and the late Michael Mackoul. During her youth, Diane spent much of her childhood along with her sisters and many cousins at her family’s restaurant, the “El Morocco”, a Worcester landmark for many years.  It was also here that Diane met her former husband and father of her two devoted sons. Diane will be remembered most for her kind and gentle nature, her care for others wellbeing over her own, her constant positive attitude in the face of adversity, and her beauty, inside and out. Diane worked in the medical field for many years and along the way developed close and lasting friendships with many of her coworkers.  She dedicated her life to her family and friends and will be greatly missed by all. Diane is survived by her two sons, Richard Erickson Jr (and wife Stephanie) of Worcester and Ryan Erickson of Sutton.  Her beloved sisters, Barbara Putes (and husband Joseph) of Worcester and Michele Heenan (and husband Peter D.) of Ohio.  Her friend and longtime companion, Kevin Neale of Holden and his daughter Andrea Neale.  Her former husband Richard Erickson Sr.  Her beloved aunts, nephews and nieces and her many close friends she would often refer to as family. Our sincere thank you and appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and the Rose Monahan Hospice Home for their dedication and the care and comfort they provided Diane’s funeral service will be held on Tuesday January 31, 2017 in Saint George Orthodox Cathedral 30 Anna St at 10:00AM. Calling hours will be held in The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 370 Plantation St. on Monday January 30, from 4PM to 7PM, and then again IN THE CATHEDRAL on Tuesday morning from 9AM to 9:45AM. Interment will be in the family lot in Hope Cemetery. A Trisagion service will be held at 6PM in the funeral home on Monday evening. To leave a message of condolence or share a special memory of Diane please visit her Memorial site at mercadantefuneral.com. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to any of the following; St George Orthodox Cathedral Endowment Fund at the above address, or the Rose Monahan Residence 10 Judith Rd. Worcester Ma. 01602, or Dr. Mark Awads immunotherapy research at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Development Office, 10 Brookline Ave. Boston, MA.02445.