Diane T. Desroches

Diane T. (Slavinskas) Desroches, 74, of Leicester, passed away on Thursday, April 4, 2023, surrounded by her family at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield.  Her husband, Normand R. Desroches, predeceased her in November 2005.

Diane is survived by her loving children, two daughters, Jessica D. Desroches of Woonsocket RI, and Jaime M. Desroches of Cherry Valley; two sons, Justin P. Desroches of Monson, and Jason M. Desroshes and his wife Shanna of Brookfield; a brother, Daniel P. Slavinskas and his wife Deborah of Worcester; two sisters, Susan A. Sheridan and her husband Philip of Norton and Bonita M. Jarvela of Gardner; five grandchildren, Hunter-Jade Cooper, Mikayla Desroches, Kyle Huff, Logan Desroches, and Mason Goulet; nieces and nephews.  Diane was born in Worcester, daughter of John J. and Isabel M. (Jankauskas) Slavinskas.  She grew up in Worcester and moved to New York with her family when her husband was stationed there in the military; they later returned to Leicester in the early 1990’s.

Diane was a loving mother and was always delighted to be with her grandchildren. She enjoyed crocheting, sewing, baking, and tending to her veggie and flower gardens, putting her “green thumb” to good work.  Diane shared her musical inclination by playing her guitar or whirling out a “polka” on the accordion.  She enjoyed going to the beach and had a soft spot in her heart for animals and birds.

Calling Hours will be on Tuesday, April 9, from 4 pm until 7 pm in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester.  Her Funeral will be on Wednesday, with a procession departing the funeral home at 9:40 am enroute to a 10 am Funeral Mass, presided by her nephew, Rev. Fr. Jonathan J. Slavinskas at Saint Bernard’s Church of Our Lady of Providence Parish, 236 Lincoln Street, Worcester.  Interment will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Second Chance Animal Shelter, by visiting www.secondchanceanimals.org or to Saint Bernard’s Church, 236 Lincoln Street, Worcester, MA 01605.