Diana L. Porper Obituary

Diana L. (Lundberg) Porper passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, January 18, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on October 22, 1944, in Milford, Connecticut to the late Chauncey Karl and Ruth Burdette (Smith) Lundberg. Though she was born in Milford, she was lucky enough to spend many of her early years growing up in Big Bend National Park, Texas, where her father was an engineer. She had so many fond memories of her time there. Her family moved many times, following her father's employment, allowing her to experience life and the excitement of where they would go next. She graduated from high school in Shady Side, Maryland in 1963. She then moved with her family to Cape Coral, Florida where she attended Edison Junior College. Wanting something new, she took what was a brave step at the time and joined the Navy. It was while stationed in Patuxent River, Maryland as a Personnelman 3rd Class that she met the love of her life, Peter C. Porper. They were married on August 7, 1966, and celebrated 58 wonderful years of marriage. They made their home in Gloucester and raised two children in the community they loved.

Diana worked for many years at Action, Inc., first as a homemaker then as a supervisor. Throughout her life she also worked at Cyrk running an embroidery machine, Strong Leather as an administrative assistant and finished her career at Health and Education Services in Gloucester as the office manager. Diana was always dedicated to her work and loved the many friendships she built over the years, but it was her volunteer work that meant the most to her. She was a committed volunteer at Cape Ann Animal Aid in Gloucester for many years. She loved all animals, and they loved her. She was known for her ability to calm a frightened cat or kitten and took more than one home that could not be socialized by others. Along with her husband, she fostered over 55 moms and kittens. Loving every one of them as if they were her own.

Diana had a special presence. She had a way about her that made everyone feel cared for and safe. It was a natural step for her to study to become a Reiki practitioner where she could help others. It was with love in her heart that she volunteered weekly at Addison Gilbert Hospital providing Reiki sessions for those with chronic illness for as long as she could.

Besides her family, pets and volunteer connections, Diana's other joys in life were her hobbies. She loved to read, learn new things and most of all, spend time sewing. She would spend countless hours sewing for others. She was always designing something new for someone whether it was a bridal veil, a doll or a vest with 100 pockets so her grandson could win pocket day at school.

Diana was loved by all who knew her and will be missed terribly. She had a smile and kind words for everyone and a special way of making you feel important. She will always be remembered for her warmth, generosity and joy for life.

She will be forever cherished by her devoted husband, Peter; her two children, Troy Porper and Tonia (Porper) Belanger and her husband Michael; her beloved grandchildren, Ryan, Chad and Rachel Belanger; her twin brother, Paul Lundberg and his wife Denise (Bowles); her brothers-in-law, Richard Porper and his wife Christine (Muise), and William Proper; sister-in-law, Marion (Porper) Parsons and her husband Robert. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and close friends.

She was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Tonya (Lundberg) Creasy and her husband Jack; sister, Carolyn (Lundberg) Markley and her husband Dale; in-laws, William and Freda (Charles) Porper and sister-in-law, Maryanne (Saputo) Porper.

A big thank you to Care Dimensions and all who cared for her.

Per her wishes there will be no visiting hours. A graveside service will be held at Seaside Cemetery, 94 Langsford Street in Lanesville on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Family and friends are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Cape Ann Animal Aid, 4 Paw's Lane, Gloucester, MA 01930 or Care Dimensions Hospice, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923.

Arrangements by Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA.

Keep Diana's legacy alive by donating to a charity in need.