Dianne M. Volpe

Dianne M. Volpe, 58 of Worcester passed away peacefully on Monday, December 15, 2025 at UMass Medical Center surrounded by her loving family.

Dianne was born in Worcester but her heart belonged in Italy. She lived her life reflecting this, always looking for her next chance to explore the world. Curiosity defined her and her propensity to continue learning throughout her life, be it about the human spirit, the universe, each other, and so much more, was unmatched. More than her drive for adventure was her love for those she brought with her to share the experiences. Most of all was her love for her three daughters Kelly, Maddie, & Momo whom she inspired to have the same adventurous spirits. She was a fiercely protective and encouraging mother, daughter, sister, grandmother and friend. No need was too big, no dream too small; no matter how seemingly mundane to others a thing might have been, to Dianne it would spark joy which she could not wait to share.

She was a force. In spite of her illnesses, she never yielded and lived as vibrant a life as any could hope. Everyone who had the honor to cross her path would immediately experience this radiance and were made better for it. No matter where, her home, her work, or just out in the world, she sought to brighten the lives of those around her. If anyone would express pain or worry, she would go above and beyond to ease whatever may be going on, no matter how much pain or worry she herself may have felt as well.

She made her first step out of Worcester when she decided to attend UMass Amherst for college where she blossomed. It was here that she solidified her love for literature and grammar (and beer) which would persist for the rest of her life. One would often find her reading with one of her many beloved cats cuddled up with her over the years, not least of all being Roshon, whom she shared the most time with alone once all of her children began school. Of her many personal joys beyond reading she found the most comfort in cooking, where she would explore her creativity with various recipes; yoga, where she would nourish her body and mind; and discovering new coffees, which she would use to learn about the parts of the world where they were from.

Always thinking beyond herself, she sought to give others opportunities and access to fundamental needs. Her ardor for helping others was fully realized when she began working with the Dana-Farber Science Health Education (SHE) Center in 2024. It was here that she was able to contribute to the improvement of care for oncological conditions and infectious diseases, as well as providing meaningful scientific research to improve the efficacy of said care in vulnerable patient populations.

She lived and loved freely and never let anything define her but her own designs. She will be deeply missed.

Dianne is survived by her three daughters, Kelly Nascembeni and her husband Jacob of Worcester, Madison Bacon and her husband Sean of Bernardston and Morgan Monfredo of Worcester; her parents, Joseph F. and Mary E. (Bositis) Volpe of Worcester; two brothers, Joseph Volpe of Dudley and Jon Volpe of Leominster; three grandchildren, including Remy Bacon; and nieces.

A Celebration of Life for Dianne will be held at a later time. MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Worcester County Food Bank, Planned Parenthood, or the ACLU.