Diana Powell

— Diana L. (Freda) East Lyme Powell, 75, of East Lyme passed away Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital succumbing to her decadeslong battle with lupus disease and surrounded by her loving children.

She was born to the late Anthony Paul Freda and Sebastiana J. (Lombardo) Freda Sept. 29, 1945, in Hartford. Diana graduated from Bulkeley High School in Hartford, and then married the late Philip Arthur Harrison. While three of her children were still infants, Diana started her career in customer service and hospitality. Her proudest life accomplishment was raising her four children as a single working mother and she always put them first.

Diana married Martin “Marty” Powell Dec. 31, 1982, and they began their life together. In addition to her husband of 38 years, Diana is survived by her beloved children, Lynne (Mac) McDowell, Philip (Tammy) Harrison, Christopher (Rosa) Harrison, Kellie (John) Smart; six cherished grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two stepdaughters, Allison (John) Hislop and their children and grandchildren, and Stacy (Cary) Rogers. She also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews and was predeceased by her sisters, Mary Anne Furman, Genevieve Cavanaugh and Linda L. (Freda) McCredie.

Diana loved life and had a special combination of strength, determination and wit. Her sense of humor and penchant for the sarcastic “one-liner” or timely saying was second to none. In addition to family, she loved music, writing, crafts, dancing, antiques and was especially fond of her Italian heritage and cuisine. She will be dearly missed and never forgotten.

A celebration of Diana’s life will be held later in the year when her family and friends can gather together more safely to honor her life and memory. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lupus Foundation of America, at support.lupus.org.

Please visit www.neilanfuneralhome.com to share a memory or sign the guest book.