Mary Diane Dargacz Kane of Pensacola, Florida, died on All Saints Day, Friday, November 1, 2024. Born in Pensacola on July 8, 1935, Diane was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, aunt, and friend. She attended St. John the Evangelist Catholic School in Warrington before continuing to Pensacola Catholic High School, where she graduated in 1953.  While attending Catholic High, Diane met her one true love, Tom, and thus began their long life together. Following graduation, Diane transitioned to employment in the Disbursing Department on NAS Pensacola and became active in the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, both as a member and past President. She spent the next several years dating Tom, dancing to great music, and living life to the fullest.

After a years-long courtship, Diane made Tom the happiest man on Earth when she became his wife on February 20, 1960. Shortly thereafter, the newlyweds relocated to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, where Tom was assigned as an Ordinance Officer. It was there that they welcomed their oldest daughter, Maureen. Following completion of Tom's military service 2 years later, the couple returned to Pensacola and began to grow their family, all while residing in Diane's childhood home on Barrancas Avenue in Warrington.

In addition to raising eight children, Diane held several part-time jobs and expertly filled many roles, including parent volunteer, fruit-cake maker extraordinaire, and Fighting Irish fan. She also cared for her mother, Genevieve, demonstrating to her children the true meaning of selfless love.  Somehow, Diane found time to take up running, competing in numerous local road races and often winning awards as the fastest woman in her age group. Diane also enjoyed spending time in the sun at the Pensacola Yacht Club, hosting dinner parties, and finding bargains wherever she shopped. Friends were always welcomed in the Kane home and due to Diane's hospitality, immediately felt like part of the family. Diane was a lifelong member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church, and her faith was unwavering. For decades, she served the parish and school, volunteering untold hours whenever and wherever needed.

Diane's greatest accomplishment, however, was her 8 children. She spent a lifetime creating a home full of unconditional love and laughter and her pride in each of them knew no bounds. Diane's devotion to Tom and support of her children and grandchildren were unparalleled; she always put the needs of others ahead of her own and did so with grace and humility. Diane loved her children fiercely and protected them as only a mother can. Her children and grandchildren are forever grateful and will miss her tremendously each and every day.

Diane is preceded in death by her parents, Genevieve and Joseph Dargacz; brothers, Jack and Joseph; sister, Sheila; beloved son, Jack; son-in-law, Don; and grandson, Brendan.

Diane is survived by her husband of 64 years, Tom; daughters, Maureen (George), Brenda, and Eileen (Brian); sons, Timothy (Julie), Michael, Brian (Neil), and Patrick (Shannan); daughter-in-law Charlaine, 18 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and a very large extended family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, November 8, 2024, beginning at 11 a.m. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Pensacola, Florida, with Fr. Nicholas Schumm presiding. The family will greet visitors beginning at 10:00 a.m.

The family wishes to express sincere thanks to the caring nurses and staff of Vitas Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Diane's memory to St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Pensacola Catholic High School, or Vitas Hospice.