Diane Durand

Diane (Connor) Durand, age 77, of Bridgeport, formerly of Stratford, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Bridgeport Hospital. Beloved wife of 60 years to John E. Durand, Jr., she was the daughter of the late Joseph Connor and Lucy (Molyneaux) Connor. Diane was a devoted mother, cherished grandmother, and loving sister whose kindness, love, and laughter touched all who knew her. The youngest of seven children, she spent most of her life in Stratford, Connecticut, and moved to Bridgeport upon her retirement. Diane built a life filled with joy and treasured memories, leaving an enduring legacy of devotion to her family and community.

Diane spent most of her years as a loving stay-at-home mother who was very involved with her children and volunteered her time at school and in other community activities. She later retired from Health Net, where she was admired for her strong work ethic and compassion toward all she encountered.

Outside of her family life and career, Diane found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved spending time outdoors in her yard, caring for her vegetable garden and flowers and enjoying the fresh air. She also enjoyed traveling with her husband and family, exploring new places together, and was an avid shopper who delighted in finding the perfect treasure for family and friends. In quieter moments, she loved curling up with her Kindle and getting lost in a good book. After retirement, she spent a great deal of time with her beloved sister, Peggy “Margaret” Fitzpatrick, sharing countless memories and laughter together.

Above all, Diane will be remembered for her kind spirit and her devotion to being a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

Survivors include her devoted husband, John E. Durand, Jr.; two loving children, Rita Mae Moore and John E. Durand, III, and his fiancée Martha; her brother, Walter Connor (predeceased by his wife, Viola); and her sisters, Jean Quinn (predeceased by her husband, Jim) and Peggy “Margaret” Fitzpatrick (predeceased by her husband, Thomas). She is also survived by four adoring grandchildren, Haley Mae Moore, Cassidy Rose Moore, Madison Nicole Moore, and Marco Emmanuel Donoso; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. She will also be deeply missed by her faithful pup and constant companion, Bandit.

Diane was predeceased by her parents, Joseph Connor and Lucy (Molyneaux) Connor; her brother, James Connor, and his wife, Audrey; her sister, Barbara Cervone, and her husband, Angelo; and her sister, Rita Tucciarone, and her husband, Jack.

In keeping with Diane’s wishes, her family will not be holding formal services.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Diane’s memory may be made to the Veterans Hospital in West Haven, Connecticut. For more information or to donate online, please visit VA Connecticut Health Care – Volunteer or Donate.

Diane’s family will forever cherish her kindness, her joyous laugh, and welcoming smile. Her gentle spirit and generous heart will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her.

For additional information or to share an online condolence, please visit www.wrmcdonaldfuneralhome.com.