Diane Mayo Obituary

In Loving Memory of Diane Louise Mayo
With great sorrow and deep respect, we announce the passing of Diane Louise Mayo (née Proctor) of East Orange, New Jersey on March 25, 2025, at her home. Diane lived a life full of grace, class, and style, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her. She was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, aunt, and friend, and her legacy will continue to resonate with her family and friends for years to come.
Born to Emily Francis Brooks (née Proctor) and Alfred Brooks of Bridgeport, Connecticut, Diane was the youngest of three children. She attended Bassick High School in Bridgeport and later pursued higher education at Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing and Upsala College in East Orange, New Jersey. Throughout her career, Diane made significant contributions to healthcare, particularly as the Director of the Geriatric Medical Day Care Center at Newark Beth Israel in Newark, New Jersey, where she worked diligently until her retirement.
In 1975, Diane and her husband, the Reverend Robert A. Mayo, moved to Montclair, New Jersey, from San Francisco, California. Their two children, Judith and Peter, attended Montclair Public Schools. Diane was known for her impressive skills as a quilter, knitter, and seamstress, and for many years, she exhibited her work with the Nubian Quilt Guild. She also created knitwear for sailors with the Seamen's Church Institute and was an active member of the Diocese of Newark and Christ Episcopal Church, Bloomfield/Glen Ridge, where she served on numerous committees, including the Vestry, Committee for the Aging, and the Commission on Ministry. Diane was also instrumental in the church's AIDS Taskforce and volunteered as a hospice nurse and also cared for newborns born to addicts. She was a founding board member of Isaiah House in East Orange.
As a devoted mother, wife, and friend, Diane was always there for anyone in need. She served as First Lady at The Church of the Messiah in Woods Hole, MA, and at Christ Episcopal Church in East Orange, NJ. Diane's love for travel took her to many places, including South Africa, London, Hawaii, and Bermuda, which she cherished exploring with her family during her retirement.
Diane was predeceased by her husband, Bob, as well as her brothers and parents. She is survived by her daughter, Judith Phillips Mayo, and her children, Emily Johannah and Aaron Lawrence Hall, and their father Eddie Lawrence Hall, Jr. She is also survived by her son, Peter Adlington Mayo, and his children Caitlin Alexandra Mayo, Whitney Alexis Mayo, Christian Robert Mayo, and Chase Adlington Mayo, and their mother, Danielle Broadwater. Diane is further survived by her niece, Valerie Proctor, and her children, Leif Proctor, Jon and Eric William Proctor (both deceased), and son Miles Murphy, as well as her cousins, Lynne, Robert and Debbie Southerland. Additional family includes her brothers-in-law, Jake Mayo and Andrew Mayo, and their children; her sisters-in-law, Patricia Fletcher and Ethel Mayo; Peter's partner, Julie Cullen; and numerous relatives and friends across the country, especially on Cape Cod. Diane was also supported by her devoted aide, Annicia Etienne.
Diane's warmth, generosity, and unwavering faith will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of kindness and selflessness lives on in the hearts of her family, friends, and the many communities she touched.
Rest in eternal peace and power, Ms. Diane.