02/09/2026
The Friends of the Athol Senior Center remember and honor Diane — an extraordinary wife, mother, nurse, friend, and a cherished member and former President of our Friends group. We extend our deepest condolences to her beloved family during this difficult time 🙏
February 7, 2026
Diane L. Gurney
ATHOL- Diane L. Gurney passed away on February 6, 2026, after a decades long battle with cancer.
She was born on June 11, 1942, in Athol, Massachusetts, the daughter of Paul R. and Helen L. Grits (Abrahamson).
She is survived by her sister, Sandy Helie of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts; her son Peter Gurney and his wife Celeste of Aliso Viejo, California; her daughter Pam Suprenant and her husband Rick of Cherry Valley, Massachusetts; and her beloved granddaughter, Christine Gurney Hudson.
After high school Diane graduated from the nursing program at Massachusetts General Hospital and began a distinguished career in emergency nursing. She later went on to earn her BSN in nursing at Central Connecticut State University and her MSN at the University of Connecticut. A trailblazer in the field, her influence spanned local, state, and national levels. She served as President of the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) nationally, guiding the profession with vision and dedication. Before her national leadership, Diane also served as President of both the Connecticut ENA and the Massachusetts ENA - roles that reflected her deep commitment to mentoring colleagues, advancing emergency nursing practice, and strengthening the professional community. She worked in Emergency Departments around the country, and together with colleagues created trauma and education programs at several New England hospitals.
Beyond her remarkable career, Diane’s life was defined by her love for her family and the friendships she built and faithfully maintained. No matter the occasion she was the first-person people turned to, as she was always generous with her time, guidance, and care. She found joy in the simple pleasures – dogs of all kinds, beaches, lighthouses, travel, and anything purple. Diane was fiercely competitive at any game table and was arguably the most organized person on the planet.
After a lifetime of living around the country, she returned home to Athol in her later years. A devoted Catholic, she was an active and faithful parishioner of Our Lady Immaculate Church – where she played the organ as a child. She found meaningful ways to give back to her community through the Senior Center, The Friends of the Athol Council on Aging, and Sharing Our Father’s Bread. Outside of volunteering, Diane was a die-hard New England Patriots fan, enjoyed local church suppers - and the occasional espresso martini at the Lit Club with her friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady Immaculate Church, 192 School Street, in Athol, Massachusetts.
In lieu of flowers, Diane would be honored by contributions made in her memory to the ENA Foundation. https://www.ena.org/about-us/ena-foundation
Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.
WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM
