Dianne held a variety of jobs, including working at Dairy Queen and A & W in the Miles City Plaza as a teenager, the Park Theater while writing her Master's degree thesis, and for the State of Montana in Helena after completing her Master's degree. In 1988, she found her career calling, as what was originally expected to be a seasonal summer job with the National Park Service in Boston, Massachusetts, became a 20-year term of service as a Park Ranger. Dianne enjoyed giving historic tours of Boston's Freedom Trail until her retirement in 2008, especially when those tours included visitors from her home state of Montana, or best of all, from Miles City itself.
Dianne led a rich life as an adult, traveling widely throughout the United States, as well as Ireland and the United Kingdom. She immersed herself in culture, constantly reading, attending concerts and the theater, and was always up for a movie, particularly if it was a great musical. She participated in community theater herself, taking roles in Miles City Barn Players' productions of "Hello Dolly" and "Camelot." She also enjoyed relaxing in front of the TV, and her brothers can recall countless nights staying up to visit with Dianne while watching M*A*S*H or Johnny Carson after the evening news.
One of the things that family and friends will most remember about Dianne was her keen sense of thoughtfulness and etiquette. It seemed that no holiday ever passed without a card or letter from Dianne - Christmas or Easter, Halloween or Groundhog Day, the 4th of July or St. Patrick's Day - a card from Dianne always arrived, along with a detailed letter about her latest news. She also truly lived her Catholic faith, attending Mass regularly, and standing as Godmother to several children, an honorary role that she took very seriously and did her best to live up to as an example for her Godchildren.
Although she had loved her life in Boston, Dianne's heart never left her hometown, and she returned to Miles City after her retirement to live with her family. Due to growing heath issues that would remain with her for the rest of her life, Dianne remained in the care of her brothers and their families. During her last few years, she lived first with her brother Conan's family, and then with her brother Brian and his family. The tragic fire that claimed Dianne's life also took Brian, as he stayed faithful to his mission of caring for his big sister to the very end, losing his own life as he attempted to rescue Dianne.
Dianne was preceded in death by her father, Albert Donnelly; her sister, Karen Donnelly; and her brother, Daniel Donnelly. She was joined in death by her brother, Brian; and is survived by her mother, Louise Donnelly of Miles City; and her brothers, Kevin (Lori) Donnelly of Miles City; Conan (Jeannette) Donnelly also of Miles City; Daren Donnelly of Missoula; and Sean (Kelby) Donnelly of Great Falls. While we mourn that Dianne and Brian have died, we thank God that they lived. In the words of the old Irish blessing, we say to them, and to you, "May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand."
Visitation will begin on Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home. A vigil service will be held on Sunday at 7:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 19, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Rite of Committal will follow in the Calvary Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Vigil Service
19:00
Sunday March 18, 2012
Stevenson Funeral Home-Miles City
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00
Monday March 19, 2012
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
520 North Montana
Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Vigil Service
19:00
Sunday March 18, 2012
Stevenson Funeral Home-Miles City
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00
Monday March 19, 2012
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
520 North Montana
Miles City, MT 59301
Clara Jo says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. God Bless
Patti (Terhaar) Jesso says
May God be with the Donnelly family at this time of great loss.
Kathy (Terhaar) Doane says
I pray God will surround the Donnelly family during this very difficult time. My thoughts and Prayers are with each of you. God Bless you.
Katherine Dunning Akiti says
Dianne, you were a beautiful person inside and out. Rest in peace.
Eileen Terhaar says
To all the Donnelly Family I send my love thoughts and prayers. I remember you all with great fondness. Dianne was a very special memory for so many of us from the North Cottage area neighborhood/Sacred Heart School. May God bless you all with His peace and comfort during this very difficult time in your lives. I am so sorry for your tragic loss and will continue to lift you, with love, in prayer.
Debbie (Neumann) Irion says
No words can express my sorrow for your loss. I have such fond memories of babysitting the older Donnelly kids. Diane always had a special place in my heart. I regret that I will be unable to attend the funeral as I will be out of town. Please know that you all are in my prayers.
With Love,
Debbie (Neumann) Irion
Cathy Neumann Pyle says
Love You Dianne & Always Have; You Brother Is A Hero. Your @ Peace Now. Fly Like An Eagle
Jim and Kathy Robins says
Our deep sympanthies to all the Donnelly family. We are so sorry for your sudden tragic loss of Dianne and Brian. We remember meeting Dianne years ago at Elmer’s Restaurant in Billings. Remember that you are not alone in your sorrow. May God’s comfort and blessings bring you peace.
Casey & Lenny Joyce says
Dear Donnelly Family,
We send our heartfelt sympathy during this tragic time. In death there is certainly real pain and sorrow of physical separation. But it is equally true that our loved ones will remain with us. Dianne & Brian’s spiritual eyes are always watching us as they wait for the day when we (All) shall share in their perfect joy and eternal life in the name of Jesus Christ. A firm faith in the real and continual presence of our loved ones has brought the conviction and consolation that death has not destroyed them. Rather it has given Dianne & Brian life! In sympathy and love, Casey & Lenny Joyce
Marvin Nelson says
May God Bless you folks thru
these trying times….
Jeana Brock says
So very sorry for your unimaginable loss. You are in our hearts, minds and prayers. I went to school at Sacred Heart with Sean.
Gerry Bredberg says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
Jill Marquard says
Dianne, dear friend,
You were taken from this world too young. You guided so many with lessons of history and fun retelling of comic scenes from your favorite movies. Your death was a tragedy, as was your brother Brian’s. My heart goes out to your family.
Love and sympathy, Jill (and Bryan)
Marilyn Donnelly says
“No eyes have seen, no ears have heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” 1 Cor. 2:9
This is the only possible comfort we can turn to in such a tragedy. I believe in God’s word and in His love and mercy for Dianne and Brian. I am so sorry for your loss and suffering. I pray God sends peace and comfort to you in your sorrow. God Bless
Renee (Foundas) Dent says
Dianne was such a sweet person, may she rest in peace now, and may God give comfort to all who loved her and who now so deeply mourn her.
Susan MacDonald says
I worked with Dianne, At Boston NHP. She was a lovely, person, who always had a smile and a kind word for everyone.
My symaties to the family for the loss of both Dianne & Brian.
Robyn Barthelmess says
To the family of Dianne and Brian Donnelly,
No words can really express the sorrow that we all feel with the loss of Dianne and Brian. While I never really knew Brian, I did have the best time being Dianne’s friend and roommate many years ago when we were both back living in Miles City. She was an absolute delight to have for a roommate, and even more so as a friend. We had some wonderful times with silly road trips, and late night visits about books, movies and our faith. She will be greatly missed, and from what I have learned of Brian, so will he. The world is a much better place for their having been in it.
My prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
Monte & Leila Massar says
Kevin and Lori,
We are so sorry for the loss of Dianne. Our Thoughts and Prayers will be with You during this difficult time.
Monte & Leila Massar
Penny Schmidt says
I was so sadden to learn of Dianne’s passing. I worked with her many years ago at the A&W. She was always so sweet and kind to everyone. Truly a good person inside and out. Your family is in my thoughts and in my prayers.
Tom and Penny Schmidt
Janet Amestoy Wichman says
Although we only communicated through Christmas Cards after college, I always treasured receiving hers. I admired Dianne in so many ways. Know that all of Dianne’s family are in my prayers during this difficult time.
Patti (Green) Ireland says
I was so shocked to read of the passing of my long-time friend while looking over the Miles City Star on-line. I first met Dianne at MCC, introduced by our mutual friend, Marianne O’Dea. I loved hanging out at Dianne’s house, one full of little brothers (was that Sean still in diapers?), playing the paino, and visiting with Mr. & Mrs. Donnelly. Our friendship continued for the rest of our lives, mainly through letter-writing, but in person whenever we could. It was precious to be able to get together with both Dianne and Marianne in Miles City about 10 years ago. The most wonderful time was when my husband and I traveled to Boston for several weeks one summer. Dianne was an amazing tour-guide. Finally, I’m blessed to have been to Dianne’s birthday party with Brian’s family, and stopping by her house to give her some DVDs as I was leaving to return to Alaska. My condolences to the family.
Love,
Patti
maryann barthelmeh says
My thoughts and prayers have been with the entire Donnelly family since I learned of your tragedy. With the help of God and his Angels the pain will fade, but not be forgotten.
although we have never met, I can truly say I have walked down this street some 30 years ago and know that in time the wounds will heal. May God be with you during this very difficult and pain full time. With deepest sympathy, Mary Ann & Tom Barthelmeh
Fred and DeeDee Isaacs says
Prayers for your family duing this incredibly sad time.
Betty O'Brien says
My sincere sympathy and many prayers for this lovely women. I knew her dad well as I went to school with him. She has now join him and her other family in oue
Father’s house which has many rooms.
Sheila Cooke-Kayser says
I worked with Dianne at Boston National Historical Park for many years. I was so sorry to hear about her death and the death of her brother. I will remember her and Brian in my prayers.
Julie Schmidt says
I will always keep my shoulder back Diane. You are very much in my thoughts.
Timothy Donnelly MD says
Dianne and I were cousins. Being nearly the same age we played together and shared stories and secrets for as long as I can remember. My oldest memories go back to pre school. As we got older and more involved in our careers we talked less but said more. We drove together to
Casey Cotton’s wedding and we were able to share alone for the hours there and back. I think that was the closest time that we ever had. Dianne was unflinching in her opinions and not afraid to share them. She was the purest soul that I have known.
Though her death was tragic, I know that she is again the Dianne that we knew and loved, and for that I thank God. I can feel the warmth of her smile and the brightness of her eyes now. The world was always a better place because of her.
Emily Beeler says
I am so saddened to hear about Dianne and Brian. Her obituary rang so true to me. She was very gracious and kind. I was fortunate to the the recipient of many a thoughtful card from her, and to have a wonderful letter writing exchange with her.
Gloria Gunther says
Conan – prayers going out to your family. What a tragedy!
Patrick Joyce & Family says
We send our prayers and sympathy!
Ethan Beeler says
My heart and prayers go out to the Donnelly family during this terrible tragedy. I was close to Dianne for many years and during that time it was my pleasure to get to know the Donnellys. The entire family could not have been nicer to me. I will always treasure my memories of Dianne and Brian. Dianne will always be a part of me. Brian’s tragic death trying to save Dianne was the purest act of love and selflessness and the truest definition of a hero there is.
Tim Kellogg says
Conan – My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Cousin Kathy Cotton-Windham says
My Dear Dianne,
You were my always my favorite cousin from the time we were little. I remember saving my money to take my first airplane ride to visit you in Miles City,the summer I was 9 years old. So many happy memories were spent in your company and also by correspondence as we grew up.You were such a wonderful letter writer, even following through with our childhood pledge of saving my letters in a pink ribbon, and then presenting me with the saved letters as an adult. You were so thoughtful and I loved your detailed personality. You could paint a picture with your words! I still keep you in my thoughts and prayers, and know you are at peace in heaven. God Bless You Dianne.
Kathy
Lisa Duff says
I was so sorry to hear about Dianne. I worked with her at the National Park Service for many years. She was a kind, thoughtful, intelligent person who in all situations remained a consummate lady. She will be sorely missed.
Tim Niles says
I love you and will miss you Cuz. Thanks for just being you.
Cathy Donnelly says
I as many others are so saddened by this tragedy and the loss of two very gracious people. I remember having several great conversations with Diane when you would see her uptown on the street. They will be missed and sorry I was sick so I couldn’t pay my respects to them both at their funerals.
Jason Donnelly says
I remember Dianne from her visits with us in NH. She was always such a pleasant person who only had nice things to say about everyone. You must miss her so much, I hope you know how much she was appreciated.
Ann Dyer says
I can only imagine the pain of loosing a child or sister. I grieve for your pain. I bet Dianne & mom have already watched an old movie together!! She is at peace. My prayers are with,you, her family – it is very hard to accept the loss of those we love here on earth.
valerie thompson says
Dear Donelly Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. May you comfort in your loving memories, and in knowing that God is “near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.” (Psalm 34;18) While grief at the loss of Diane and Brian is great, joy at receiving them back in the resurrection will be greater. (Mark 5;42) With deepest sympathy,
Laura Barr Sargent says
Dianne was my roommate at the U of M in 1981. We experienced the volcano, thesis writing, and baptisms together *she was my sponsor). Years later we found each other again in Boston. To our surprise we lived only blocks apart at one time and didn’t even know it! Dianne and I reconnected every summer. She was a dear, dear friend, and confidant. I miss you Dianne! I am a better person having known Dianne.
My heart goes out to her family, having to experience such a tragic loss.
Danita Wegley Johnson says
I am so sorry for your profound loss of two loved persons in family and family friends, loved ones. Diane was a college dormate of mine in 1978 to 1979 and A very remarkable, wonderful young lady. She was a class act and I am also sorry to not get to meet her again. I have a few photos of her I would be happy to share. I live in Billings, Mt and am listed under Danita Johnson in phone book.
Bill Foley says
My thoughts and prayers are with Dianne and Brian’s family and friends. I worked with Dianne for her entire National Park Service career in Boston. She was a dedicated and talented ranger who truly loved sharing her knowledge of Boston’s history with all visitors. We all miss her dearly.
Steven Taylor says
I only found out about Dianne’s death through the Fall 2012 University of Montana alumni magazine. I am truly and deeply saddened by Dianne and Brian’s death. I knew Dianne at UM in the late 1970s. We had a number of classes together and I considered her to be a good friend (we once went together to the Forester’s Ball). We kept in touch over the years and I had the good fortune to visit her once in Boston where she generously gave my family a wonderful tour of Boston’s historical sites. She was a kind and gentle person and my prayers are with her surviving brothers and sisters.