Diane Cheryl

Kennedy

In Loving Memory of Diane Kennedy

February 21, 1945 to November 3, 2026

It is with deep sadness, and with hearts full of love, that we share the passing of our beloved Diane Cheryl Kennedy, a daughter, sister, wife, mother, GramJam, colleague, and friend to all who knew her. She passed away on November 3, 2026, at the age of 81, surrounded by her family.

Diane was born on February 21, 1945, in San Francisco, the oldest daughter of Edward and Marion Carlson. In 1970, she married her husband, Frank, and together they built a life filled with love and strong faith. Their marriage spanned 56 years, and her devotion to him never wavered.

Above all else, Diane was devoted to her family. She was wholly involved in the lives of her children, from their upbringing to their education, and she never wanted to miss a moment of their lives. Her home was always open, and it was where everyone gathered for the holidays. She took great pleasure in making every event special and memorable, right down to the smallest detail. As GramJam, she was present and active in the lives of her grandchildren, and every year on their birthdays she gave each of them a photo album so the memories they shared together would never be lost.

Her faith was the center of her life. She gave her heart to her church community as a Religious Education Teacher, Eucharistic Minister, and Wedding Coordinator at St. John Neumann Church in Irvine for many years. She also gave her time to the local community as a volunteer for the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, founder of the PTA at her children’s school, El Camino Real, and an active member of the Women’s Ebell Club of Irvine. Whatever the cause, Diane was always working to make life a little better for others. She would often say, "every little bit helps," and tirelessly juggled activities so she could contribute in as many ways as possible.

Diane was happiest scrapbooking, being with her grandkids, and traveling with her husband and sisters. She was driven to make a difference and always had a smile on her face.

Right to the end, Diane believed she could beat the odds. Her positive outlook was a reflection of her inner strength and resilience, and was an example for all of us. We take great comfort in our faith and in knowing she is now at peace with her Heavenly Father.

Diane is survived by her husband, Frank James; her two children, Frank Edward and Laura; her sisters, Cheryl, Janet, and Lani; and her grandchildren, Sydney, Skylar, and Shayna.

A visitation will be held at O'Connor Mortuary in Laguna Hills, CA, on Sunday, November 22, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. A Memorial Mass will follow on Monday, November 23, at 10:00 am at St. John Neumann Church in Irvine, CA, with a reception immediately afterward in Conlon Hall from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. A private burial will be held at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Orange, CA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in loving tribute to Diane.

For those of us fortunate to have known her in any one of her many roles, we will hold Diane with us and treasure those memories always.