Diana Mary (Lapointe) Burby

Diana Mary Burby, 87, Plainville resident for over 50 years, passed into God's hands in the comfort of home after a courageous battle with Parkinsons, on Friday, June 21, 2024 with her loving family alongside her.

Diana was born on January 13, 1937 in Hartford, CT daughter to the late Wilfred and Olivine (Gagne) Lapointe. The youngest of three children, Diana was raised and educated in Hartford, CT. Diana met the love of her life, Owen Burby, at the Royal Typewriter in Hartford. She was working on a machine as Owen walked by to make a delivery. Diana leaned over to her friend and stated "I am going to marry that man someday." Diana was right, she married Owen and together they shared in many laughs and unconditional love, spending 61 years together until his passing. There was no denying that they were soulmates and together they raised a beautiful, loving family, with three children and many generations to come.

Diana and her husband, Owen, worked alongside each other, along with their children, in various businesses that they owned and operated, including Maryland Fried Chicken, Hide-away-Cafe in the 1970's, Zanzibar & Joshua Steakhouse in the 1980's, and Illusions Dance Club & Restaurant from 1984 to 2015. Over the years, they forged many friendships at each business they operated, leaving a lasting impact on the communities they served.

Above all, Diana loved being with her family and enjoyed memorable times with her friends at Bingo, the Casino, and Camping. Diana could often be found playing card games with family and friends. She was even more excited when there was money involved, to take on the winnings. In her free time, she loved to watch the UCONN women's basketball, Dancing with the Stars, and her day-time game shows. Diana adored her all-time favorite singer, Elvis Presley, his music serving as a constant source of joy throughout her life.

Diana's unwavering faith as a devout Catholic was a guiding force in her life, evidenced by her long-standing presence at Our Lady of Mercy Parish in Plainville. Admired by many for her kind heart and dedication to spreading the word of the Lord, she touched the lives of countless individuals with her prayers and acts of kindness.

Diana is survived by her children, Linda Chadbourne and her husband, Eric, of Plainville, Walter Burby and his wife, Michele, of Wolcott, and Francis Burby and his wife, Ki, of East Hartford; her grandchildren, Ashley and Amber Chadbourne, Leah, Lena, Noah and Shannon Burby; and her great grandchildren, Jon, Ahmiabella, Leo, Levee, Ahlena, Ezekiel, Ilias, and Ahmina. In addition to her husband, Owen Burby, she was predeceased by her grandson, Joshua Burby, and her brothers, Norman and Leo Lapointe.

Family and friends are welcome to gather on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 from 4 to 7 PM and on Thursday, June 26 from 9 to 9:30 AM at the Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad Street, Plainville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at 10 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, 94 Broad Street, Plainville. Burial will follow in West Cemetery, Plainville. Donations in memory of Diana may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson's Research, P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741 or by going to give.michaeljfox.org. For more information or to leave online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com.

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