Diane. M. Perry

Diane M. Perry, age 72, of Deltona, Florida, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025, at AdventHealth Hospital in DeLand, Florida. She was born on June 28, 1953, in Jacksonville, Florida, to Joan and George Gardner. Diane was the third oldest of seven children and grew up surrounded by love and family.

At the age of six, Diane moved with her family to Massachusetts, where she was raised in Peabody. In 2019, she returned to Florida, settling in Deltona to enjoy her later years closer to home.

Diane had a caring and generous heart. She loved her years driving the school bus for young children and took great pride in caring for them until she became disabled. She was a devoted daughter, mother, grandmother, and friend—known for her sense of humor, her love of bingo nights with her mom, and her enthusiasm for visiting casinos. But above all, Diane’s greatest joy in life was spending time with her “girls” and her family.

She is survived by her two daughters, Vicki Kirkpatrick (Joseph Finnerty Sr.) and Melissa Byner (William Byner); her beloved grandchildren Rafael, Benjamin, and Brittany Rocha; Kassandra, Jimmy, and Kaili Awalt; and Joseph Finnerty Jr.; as well as ten cherished great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings BettyJo Pope, Harry Gardner, Bettyjean Panopulous, and Bobby Gardner, and her lifelong friend Tina Lizotte.

Diane will be remembered for her warmth, wit, and her signature saying—“Ya know what I can go for…”—which always brought a smile to those around her.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. The family would like to thank everyone for their love, condolences, and prayers during this difficult time.