Diane (O'Keefe) Landi

Diane (O’Keefe) Landi left her earthly body on September 30th, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her family as she took her last peaceful breath on the day that would have been her father’s 98th birthday. Perhaps there was a party invitation, at least that’s how we imagine it. Either way, it was the day her suffering ended. She lived a beautiful life with her family, especially her children at the center of everything. There was no kinder woman to grace this planet. Once the last of her own four children went off to school, Diane spent over 25 years as a pre-school teacher helping countless children who needed and benefited from her one on one love, care and wisdom. She loved her work and gave it every ounce of her considerable energy, retiring only for the opportunity to care for her granddaughter.

She taught us to default to peace and loved to remind us “Blessed are the peacemakers,” a message humanity needs to continually hear. Diane’s capacity for love was endless. She would do anything for her four children, eight grandchildren, her loving husband and her considerably large extended family. She was always the first in line to support others. Her calm, steady guidance helped her family, friends and students through so many of life’s inevitable bumps.

Diane was always drawn to the beautiful sunrises and sunsets at the ocean. As evidence of this connection, she left us many paintings from stages in her life when she picked up a brush, a hobby she started at a young age. There was something of her soul in those moments, peace, beauty and being together with her family. Diane loved so many of these profound, yet simple times that make up a life well-lived: picking apples, making pickles from her mother’s family recipe, baking Christmas cookies, enjoying days on the beach in Maine, talent shows, fall days in Vermont, summer by the pool - truly any day spent with her family was a blessing.

In addition, Diane was the keeper of many memories and sentimental treasures, always valuing the connection they kept with special moments in time. Now, she is our sentimental treasure - we will forever carry these memories within us. Simple things like singing in the car, her captivating voice and way with kids (no one on earth could put a baby to sleep like her), her calm energy that soothed any tense situation, her impeccable tan, her secret life as cheerleading captain at Hudson Catholic, Nana-camp pool parties and so many sweet moments that we all hold dear in our hearts.

The world, and especially her family, will so dearly miss those big, beautiful sparkling blue eyes. Her bravery and strength throughout her life, but especially in those final months when she fought so hard, will eternally inspire us. May she rest easy now and know that her impact on all of us is everlasting and we will one day meet again.

She leaves behind a huge family with a huge hole in our hearts. We hit the lottery of life by having her in ours: her husband of 51 years Steve, sons Matthew (wife Chana), Michael (wife Jeanie) and Jeffrey (wife Erin), daughter and best friend Amy DeCiero (husband Brian). Her cherished grandchildren whom she cared for with all her heart: West Landi (19), Mesa Landi (17), Trent Landi (16), Bobby Landi (13), James Landi (9), Kathryn DeCiero (8), Charlie Landi (1) and Jonathan DeCiero (1). She also leaves behind her loving brothers and sisters, Daniel O’Keefe (wife Susan), Ellen Carter (husband Randy), James O’Keefe (wife Cathy) and Maureen Choe (husband Injae) and numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Diane was pre-deceased by her parents, James and Barbara (Melling) O’Keefe, both of whom she lovingly cared for in their final days.

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

(888)557-7177

customersupport@bloodcancerunited.org

Her family encourages blood and platelet donations, if you are able and have the opportunity. We are eternally grateful to the many donors who supported her and gave us precious additional time with Diane on this Earth.