Southbridge : Diane (Michaels) Irwin, 86, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 15th,  surrounded by her family after a long illness.

Diane leaves behind her daughter, Christine (Materas) Sprouse and her husband Dennis of Sturbridge; her two sons, Jeffrey Materas and his wife Elaine of Southbridge, with whom she lived, and Steven Materas of Pomfret, CT; her 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.  She was predeceased by her son, Robert Renaud of North Carolina in 2022.  She was also predeceased by her grandson, Michael Sprouse in 2013.  She was born in Ware the daughter of Harry and Joy (St. Godard) Michaels. She was a 1956 graduate of the former Mary E. Wells High School in Southbridge.

Diane was long known for being the Dining Room Manager at the Publick House Restaurant in Sturbridge for many years. In the early 1980's she switched careers and worked for Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. until her retirement.

Diane loved gardening, traveling, dining out and going to yard sales.  But her absolute favorite thing to do was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, as well as friends.

Diane will be remembered as a very strong, hard-working and independent woman.  She will be dearly missed by her family and many friends.

Calling hours for Diane will be held on Monday, May 19th, from 5:00 to 7:00pm in the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge.  An additional calling hour in the funeral home will be held on Tuesday, May 20th, from 10:00 to 11:00am, with a funeral service to follow at 11:00am.  Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Southbridge.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Overlook Hospice, 88 Masonic Home Rd., Charlton, MA 01507.