Diane Conner

Diane Louise Conner, 75, of Middletown, RI, passed away on May 2, 2025, at Rhode Island Hospital after a brief illness. She was born on Aug. 19, 1949, in San Antonio, TX to the late Eileen Shreenan Geyer and Louis Geyer.

Diane was married to Michael Conner, who predeceased her after 29 years of marriage. She is survived by her beloved children Patrick Young (Julie), Michael Young and a stepdaughter, Tracey McCullough (Jerry). She is also survived by her sisters Carole Devine (Thomas) and Susan Wilkinson (Rian). She was preceded in death by her sister Cathleen Geyer.

Diane is also survived by her sisters-in-law Deborah Stinton and Mary Levrault and her beloved grandchildren, Jonathan, Christopher, Riley and Nathaniel, as well as stepchildren, Tasia and Lea and many nieces and nephews.

Diane graduated from Rogers High School in 1967. In her senior year she was elected ROTC CO-ED Colonel and runner up for "Miss Newport". Diane was also a member of the "All State Orchestra" playing the cello.

After high school she attended URI and started a family. Diane worked numerous jobs, one of which was at LaForge Restaurant, where she met her future husband, Mike.

Diane then went on to work in the family business, Marine Rescue Products, for 35 plus years. She was their first full time employee. Nothing was beneath her as she even learned how to fiberglass rescue equipment as needed. As years went by, Diane became manager and was a major factor in helping MRP grow into an international lifesaving company. She became the "voice" of the company before emails and computers.

Diane had many jobs, first and foremost were her children and grandchildren. She loved painting with watercolors, knitting, crossword puzzles, and was a self-taught carpenter. Diane loved the beach and enjoyed many years meeting family and friends down at 2nd and 3rd Beach.

Diane was a member of Jesus Saviour Church and volunteered at many of their annual events.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 4:00PM to 7:00PM in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated, Friday, at 10:00AM in Jesus Saviour Church, 509 Broadway, Newport. Burial will follow at Newport Memorial Park, Middletown.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society c/o Jesus Saviour Church, 1 Vernon Avenue, Newport, RI 02840.