Diane Marie Cantrell

Diane Marie Cantrell, 76, of Sebastian, Florida, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Monday, October 19, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of love, laughter, incredible friendships, and more than a few people still trying to figure out the secret to her spaghetti sauce.

Born in Vermont, Diane was the daughter of the late Harold and Joyce Longway of Jericho, Vermont. She was raised in Jericho, where her Vermont roots were firmly planted and where she made many of the friendships and memories that would stay with her throughout her life. Diane was a proud member of the first graduating class of Mount Mansfield Union High School in 1968, a special piece of local history and a connection to the community she would always consider home.

She was also preceded in death by her sister, Betty Longway.

Diane spent more than 25 years working at IBM as a lead inspector, where she developed many lifelong friendships. In 2003, she and her husband, Ben, relocated to Sebastian, Florida, to be closer to her mother, Joyce. Over the years, they built a beautiful life and an incredible circle of friends who became an extension of their family.

Diane also enjoyed volunteering and spent time working part-time at Bealls, although anyone who knew her would probably agree that the job was less about working and more about keeping busy, socializing, and finding a few more people to talk to. Sitting still and doing nothing simply wasn't Diane's style!

Known for her infectious laughter, wonderful sense of humor, and unmistakable zest for life, Diane had a remarkable ability to bring people together. Her home was always welcoming, and she never needed a special occasion to gather people around the table.

Cooking was truly Diane's love language, and taking care of the people around her came naturally. Whether it was a homemade meal, a batch of baked goods, or simply leftovers from her kitchen, Diane made sure her neighbors, friends, and family were well fed. She was known for spreading her cooking throughout the neighborhood, often showing up with something delicious simply because she wanted to make sure someone was taken care of. Her homemade spaghetti sauce was legendary, frequently requested, and something many will remember for years to come. If you knew Diane, you knew that nobody was going hungry on her watch.

But for all her generosity in the kitchen, that generosity had its limits when the playing cards came out.

Diane was a fiercely competitive card player, particularly when it came to a game called Frustration, passed down through her IBM family. She was kind enough to give newcomers a practice round to learn the rules, but after that, the gloves were off! Diane played to win, and there was never a shortage of laughter, friendly competition, or a little good-natured teasing.

And then there was bingo.

Diane absolutely loved bingo and could move a bingo dauber across those cards faster than most people could keep track of the numbers. Whether she was playing cards, enjoying bingo, or simply spending time with friends, Diane knew how to make even the simplest moments memorable.

In 2023, Diane faced one of the greatest challenges of her life when she was diagnosed with a brain surface tumor. The prognosis was far from encouraging, but apparently nobody had informed Diane that she wasn't supposed to bounce back. And bounce back she did. Against the odds, she demonstrated incredible strength and determination, making a remarkable recovery and returning to the activities and people she loved, perhaps with an even greater appreciation for life.

That fighting spirit gave Diane and her family something incredibly precious: more time, more laughter, and more memories.

One of the most meaningful of those memories came in 2026, when Diane and Ben packed up and headed north on what would become a trip of a lifetime. They traveled from Florida to Ohio to visit Ben's family before continuing on to Vermont, where Diane returned to her roots and reconnected with family and dear friends, many of whom she hadn't seen in years.

There were stories shared, hugs exchanged, memories revisited, and undoubtedly plenty of laughter. It was a journey filled with the people and places that had shaped their lives. Looking back, that trip has become an especially precious gift, one filled with memories that will be treasured forever.

Diane is survived by her loving husband of more than 54 years, Ben Cantrell; her daughter, Tonya Cantrell, and Tonya's partner, Tucker Burritt; along with many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were made brighter simply by knowing her.

She also leaves behind her beloved dog, Coco, her faithful little companion who was rarely far from her side and who, much like Diane, has never been shy about letting people know exactly what she wants.

Diane had a way of making ordinary moments extraordinary. A simple dinner could turn into an evening of stories and laughter. A card game could become a full-blown competition. And a neighbor could become a lifelong friend.

She didn't need grand gestures to make a difference in someone's life. She simply showed up, opened her home, fed people, made them laugh, and made them feel loved.

While her passing was sudden and unexpected, there is comfort in knowing that it was peaceful. And even more comfort in knowing that she spent her life doing what she loved: connecting with people, enjoying the little things, and making memories along the way.

To know Diane was to love her. And if you ever sat across from her at a card table, you probably learned a thing or two about losing gracefully.

Her laughter, warmth, generosity, and incredible spirit will be deeply missed, but the stories and memories she leaves behind will continue to bring smiles for generations to come.

At the family's request, flowers are respectfully declined. An intimate celebration of life will be held in Florida, with details to be announced. A service will also take place in Vermont in the spring, where Diane will be laid to rest alongside her mother and father.

Online condolences may be shared at www.seawindsfh.com