OBITUARY: Diane J. (Cashman) McBay, 70

Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:

WILMINGTON, MA — Diane J. McBay (Cashman), age 70, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on February 15, 2025.

Diane was born on January 25, 1955, in Lynn, MA; she was the cherished daughter of the late Joan (Richards) Ferrante of Revere, MA and Fred Cashman of Plymouth, MA. Diane was raised and educated in Swampscott, MA, where she made many life-long friends.

She met the love of her life and best friend Francis “Frank” McBay in 1984; the couple married and settled in Wilmington in 1986. Family was everything to Diane; she was their biggest source of encouragement, their greatest mentor, their biggest cheerleader, and their truest friend. Diane would drop anything in a heartbeat if her family needed her no questions asked. Diane was devoted to her children and when she became a Meme as her grandchildren started to arrive her world became even brighter; she cherished her new role and enjoyed every minute she spent with them. She was the best Meme any child could ask for.

Diane loved to have her family around whether it was at their Wilmington home or at their home on the Island in Alton, New Hampshire, on Lake Winnipesauke. Diane would often be found cooking up a storm in the kitchen to entertain family and friends or out in her yard on the lake planting beautiful flower gardens. She loved to be out boating on the lake as she relaxed and enjoyed the sunshine or taking in a beautiful sunset in the evening. Diane loved to travel with her husband Frank; they took many trips across country in their RV where they could experience new places and meet new people.

Diane worked hard throughout her life; she was a home health aide until her retirement, and she doted on her patients, often treating them like extended family. She was the ultimate caregiver to so many people throughout her life; whether you were friends, family, or a complete stranger that may have needed her help. She was always there to lend a hand to anyone in need.

Diane also had a strong faith in God and a true belief in Heaven; she was a member of the Wilmington Congregational Church where she made some wonderful friends and shared a great fellowship. She enjoyed attending Sunday services.

Diane will be fondly remembered for her love of animals, rescuing several throughout the years. She also enjoyed listening to smooth jazz, dancing in the kitchen with anyone who wanted to join her, and watching the reruns of Golden Girls. Diane was a beautiful woman inside and out; she had a heart of gold and a great personality that drew others to her. She was a wonderful lady and will forever live on in the hearts of those she loved.

Diane was the beloved wife of Francis “Frank” McBay, devoted mother of Jennifer Parker and husband Robert of Nashua, NH, Danielle Perrotti and husband Anthony of Wilmington, Kimberly Connolly of Londonderry, NH, and the late Scott McBay. Loving Meme of Anthony Perrotti, Jr., Joseph Perrotti, who will always be her heart angels, Patrick McKinnon, Connor McKinnon, Taylor McKinnon, and Lindsey McKinnon. Dear sister of Ricky Cashman of Florida and the late Carl Cashman. Diane is further survived by her extended family and many wonderful friends.

Family and friends will gather for a Service to celebrate Diane’s life on Saturday, March 1st at 10:30 a.m. in the Wilmington Congregational Church, 220 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington, MA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Diane’s memory to Cancer Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168 or to Animal Rescue at the MSPCA at Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Nichols Funeral Home, Wilmington, MA. To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.