Diane Marie Chalifour ... avid gardener; at 73

ROCHESTER - On the morning of Aug. 26, 2023, Diane Marie Chalifour died peacefully surrounded by her loving family.

Diane was a caregiver her whole life and exuded love to all who knew her. She loved sunshine and gardening but most of all taking care of her family and friends. She was quick to make friends and loved adventures. Those who knew her will remember her warm personality mixed with her outgoing flair that made her the life of the party.

Diane was born in Salem, Mass., on April 11, 1950, to Leo J and Mary C (Quartarone) Garro. She was one of 8 children and attended Salem High School. Shortly after high school she fell in love with and married George H. Chalifour in 1969. Together they raised four children in Salem and later moved to Rochester, NH. Diane's children were the light of her life, and after they were grown she continued spreading her love by working at the Monarch School of New England where she cared for disabled children. She went on to be a homecare
provider for over 10 years for 2 adult men who quickly became part of her family.

As much as Diane loved being a mom, that role could only be rivaled by her love of being "Meme". Her lighthearted spirit and love of having fun helped to forge an incredible bond with each of her eight grandchildren- Taylor, Jordyn, Luke, Alyssa, Hailey, Mya, Levi and Ayva. Every one of them can tell countless funny stories about sleepovers and special times spent laughing and playing with Meme.

Diane shared the last 8 years of her life in companionship with Dave Bouvier, who shared her love of gardening. They were known to plant beautiful flowers, especially Diane's favorite sunflowers, in Dave's yard. Bound by the same love for having fun, they spent a lot of time together with friends over home-cooked meals and good conversation.

Diane was predeceased by her oldest son Joe. Her heart never mended after that loss and although so many loved her here, there is comfort knowing that they are together again. She will be deeply missed by her daughter Tracey (Sukduang), son Jeffrey, son Timothy as well as George Chalifour and Dave Bouvier; her children's partners Sontaya, Robin and Amanda; her six siblings Millie Boudreault, Mary Lee Stanton, Anthony Garro, Cindy Prato, Cookie Boucher and Lisa Cade. In addition to her parents and her son, Diane was predeceased by her sister Philomena Nicholson and her nephew Richard Prato.