Dianne Gail Kenney Williams

Dianne Gail Kenney Williams, 73, ice skated away with her sister in search of her next adventure on May 7, 2025 in her Oxford, NC home. Dianne’s life was characterized by creativity, compassion, and independence, and she will be missed dearly by the many who loved her.

She was born in Boston, MA (Dorchester) on January 9, 1952, the second-youngest of seven siblings. From a young age she had an artistic temperament, excelling at visual arts and playing saxophone in marching band. After high school she moved to Boca Raton, FL, where she met her ex-husband and lifelong friend, Eric. After relocating to North Carolina and having three children (Melissa, Justin, and Erica), Dianne was a devoted stay-at-home mom for many years, pouring her energy into volunteering at school and making the best Halloween costumes around, before going back to school and becoming a Registered Nurse in 1992. In nursing she found a true calling, and treasured being able to ease the suffering of her patients. Dianne worked at Maria Parham Hospital for 30+ years, primarily in intensive care and on night shift, and was devastated when her illness made it impossible to continue working.

She enjoyed many things, including internet sleuthing, dragonflies, bubble baths, painting, decorating for any and all holidays, Fleetwood Mac, foxes, gardening, high heels, Moscato, the beach, and spinach dip. She was a wonderful mother, a warm and fun grandmother, a doting dog mom, and a loyal friend. We will sorely miss her quick sense of humor and dramatic flair.

Dianne is survived by her children, Erica Falcone (Alex), Justin Williams, and Melissa Williams (Phil); former husband and friend Eric Williams; former son-in-law Ryan Roxburgh; grandsons Johannes Roxburgh and Enzo Falcone; and dogs Sugar and Figaro. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces and nephews, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Edward J. and C. Elizabeth Kenney; sister Bette Conlon; brothers Eddie, Jack, Jerry, Bobby, and Michael Kenney; and beloved dogs Vito, Butch, and Woody.

Tremendous and heartfelt thanks go to the exceptional staff of Duke Homecare and Hospice, in particular Dianne’s nurse Ashley. Their support and compassion enabled a peaceful and comfortable environment for Dianne’s final days.

Per Dianne’s wishes, there will be no public service. In lieu of flowers or gifts, those wishing to honor Dianne’s memory are asked to consider a donation to one of the following organizations:

St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital ( https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html )

Oceana ( https://act.oceana.org/page/111345/donate/1 )

Foundation for Women’s Cancer ( https://foundationforwomenscancer.org/support-us/ways-to-give/ )

Best Friends Animal Society ( https://bestfriends.org/donate )

May Dianne’s memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.