NORTHBOROUGH

Yolande Diane Cournoyer, beloved mother, grandmother, dance instructor and friend, passed away peacefully in her home on April 2, 2025, while surrounded by the supportive love of her family. Diane, as she was known by all, was born in Vermont, the youngest of six children to the late Napoleon and Alphida (LaMoine) Porrier. She spent much of her childhood in Worcester County and was a graduate of Southbridge H.S. In the 1950's Diane relocated to her current home in Northborough.

For several years, Diane was employed as an administrative assistant to the president of Marlborough Hospital. It was during this time, at the age of 28, that Diane found the love of dance. With a zest for life and a will to live it without regrets, Diane began her own dance studio in the basement of her home. From its humble beginnings on Brigham Street to its current 386 W. Main Street studio location, the Diane Cournoyer Dance Center has provided dance instruction to hundreds of local students of dance over its 60 years of operation. Past students and parents alike share a common appreciation of Diane's ways – not only in dance instruction but in the way she instilled lifelong confidence as she created strong, independent children.

Diane is survived by her daughter Michelle Cournoyer – Szczepaniak of Auburn and Northborough, four grandchildren Sadie Szczepaniak of Northborough, Brett Cournoyer II and Thomas Cournoyer of Shrewsbury and Danielle Cournoyer of Northborough. She also leaves a daughter-in-law Eileen Cournoyer of Shrewsbury and a son-in-law David Szczepaniak of Auburn and her faithful canine companion and best friend Stevie "Miss Doggie". Diane was preceded in death by her son Brett Cournoyer in 2017 and by her five siblings.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, April 14th, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough. A funeral Mass will immediately follow at 12 Noon at Saint Rose of Lima Parish, 244 W. Main Street, Northborough.

To leave an online condolence please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.