Obituary of Diane M Killeen

Diane M. (Teriet) Killeen, 89, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at home, surrounded by close family and caregivers.

Diane was born in Clifton, NJ on May 22, 1934, to Frank and Sophia Teriet. She attended Glen Ridge (NJ) High School, graduating class of 1952. After high school, Diane went on to graduate with a degree in journalism from Rider University in Trenton. After completing her studies, she followed her love of writing and contributed many articles to local newspapers. She was a faithful employee of Bamberger’s Department Store in Newark, serving as the associate editor of the company newspaper, The House Organ. While her children were young, Diane was a dedicated homemaker, band parent, basketball mom, Avon Lady, and Girl Scout Leader. Diane worked as a customer service agent at NTE in Bloomfield before her retirement.

Diane loved traveling and sharing her life with her devoted husband of 62 years, James F. Killeen. Diane and Jim met in 1959 at a house party at the Jersey Shore and quickly discovered that they lived only five blocks apart. Their first date was to see the movie On the Beach followed by pizza and beer at Star Tavern. In their retirement, Jim and Diane loved to travel, enjoying trips to Canada, Germany, Alaska, and Greece where they visited Diane’s relatives. They also returned Cape Cod several times after honeymooning there. She was a member of the Glen Ridge Women’s Club, the Seniors Golden Circle, and the Congregational Church, where she taught Sunday School. Diane was an avid lover of animals and had many pets over the years. She enjoyed bicycling, bowling, ice skating, and sewing.

Our family would like to extend a deep appreciation to caregivers Kay and Faye, and to everyone who provided care to Diane these last few years. As a family, we will be forever grateful for the support and kindness shown.

Diane is predeceased by her brother, Richard. She is survived by her children Alison and her partner Kay, Pattie Cowan and her husband Jim, Rich and his wife Amy, and six grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in her name to Angels of Animals, Clifton, NJ (https://linktr.ee/angelsofanimalsinc).

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Glen Ridge Congregational Church, 195 Ridgewood Avenue, Glen Ridge, May 22, 2024, 1pm.