Diane F. Purcell

Diane Frances Purcell, of East Granby, CT, formerly of Massachusetts and Sellersville, passed away on Monday, April 22, 2024. She was 75.

She was the beloved wife of Alan Leitner.

Born in Quakertown, Diane was the daughter of the late Walter S. and Arlene M. (Burkhardt) Senkow and raised with the gentle guidance of her beloved Aunt Frances. Diane was a graduate of Pennridge High School, Class of 1966.

Diane had been employed for 32 years by the U. S. Postal Service, most recently as an analyst of the Northeast Area, in Windsor, CT, from where she retired. Prior to that, she had been the Postmaster in Oakham, MA and in Manchester Center, VT. Her husband recalls that she worked hard and gave it her all, with long hours and many miles driven.

A helpful, kindhearted woman, Diane had served as a devoted mentor to many USPS workers, who came to view her as not only their supervisor but also as a friend.

An active volunteer with the East Granby Thrift Shop, Diane was particularly appreciated there for her strong organizational skills and friendly, professional manner.

Diane was an avid gardener. Most especially, she was a proud mother and grandmother.

Some loving remembrances from her husband Alan:

To my Dear Wife,
It breaks my heart to have to say,
you left me much too soon and in an unexpected way.
I will always miss you. Goodbye, my dear Diane,

You were loved by many and disappointed none.
You tried your best to be there for everyone:
Selfless by nature, generous, kind, devoted
and supportive.

You were an excellent cook and baker. You loved reading,
especially the latest from Louise Penny and enjoyed NYT word
games, where no day was complete without your genius
crown and Scrabble matches with Cousin Carol.

Family and friends, we all miss you.

In addition to her husband, Diane is survived by her children from her first marriage: daughter, Christine (Purcell) Wilson, and her husband Todd, and their children: Jack, Zack, Luke, and Cole; and son, William Purcell, and his wife Jenny, and their sons, William and Sam.

She is also survived by her brother, Walter Senkow, and his wife Pam, and their two sons: Jake Senkow and his wife Laura; their two daughters, Alison and Carolyn; and Jed Senkow.

Diane is also remembered by her sister-in-law, Valerie Schirru (David); many cousins: Carol, Anna, Vicki, Sam, Andy, Jason, and Wendy; extended family and friends; and her beloved cat, “Eby.”-

In addition to her parents, Diane was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Megan Wilson.

Her Graveside Service was held Thursday, September 19, 2024, in Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery, Perkasie, PA 18944.