Diane Elaine (Fava) D'Errico, 79, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026 at Life Care Center of Plymouth, MA.

Diane was born in Providence, RI, the only child of the late Elena (Errico) and Aldonio Arthur Fava. She fondly recalled spending her early childhood above her grandparents' grocery store on Federal Hill, absorbing the sights, smells, and flavors of her Italian American heritage.

Diane was the Vice President of the 1964 graduating class from St. Theresa high school, continuing her studies by earning a bachelor's degree in English from Emmanuel College and a master's degree in counseling from the University of Rhode Island. As a first-generation college graduate born to first generation Americans, she appreciated the transformative value of education.

Diane raised two children with her former spouse, John Golden, while also building a diverse and unconventional career that spanned counseling and social work, hospital administration, leadership roles at non-profits, and consulting to major health care systems. Diane was a fierce advocate for women's reproductive health, LGBTQ equality, and any charity that protected children or animals. Of her many career iterations, Diane's later work supporting HIV/AIDs community action groups was particularly meaningful to her.

Diane had an eye for fashion and design and a deep passion for the arts, music, literature, and travel. She was endlessly proud of her beloved children and grandchildren: Elise (Golden) and Pete DeCola of Plymouth, Dr. Keith Golden and Sarith (Prak) Golden of Wilmington, NC, Emma and Sofia DeCola, and Elizabeth and Jackson Golden. Diane's creative spark lives on in each of them.

Diane was a colorful and complex person with a cutting wit and spicy vocabulary. She excelled at public speaking, creative writing, drawing, painting, and self-reinvention. Even as her progressive dementia dimmed her physical and mental state, she charmed and occasionally infuriated the loving and devoted caretakers who kept her comfortable until the end.

Diane's family is planning a Celebration of Life for the summer, her favorite season. In lieu of flowers, the family requests small gestures of kindness and generosity to the staff of the Massasoit floor at Life Care Center of Plymouth (94 Obery St, Plymouth, MA 02360; 508-747-9800). Gift cards, food deliveries, and other donations or offers of appreciation will honor the many people who helped her to live and die with love and dignity.