Diane Marie Morrissey

MADISON - Diane Marie Morrissey departed in the quiet hours of the new day, Wednesday, April 7, 2021, from her favorite place on earth, her home of nearly eight decades. Born May 21, 1942, Diane was followed into the world by her beloved (unexpected!) twin sister, Donna. Along with brother Patrick, the children grew up in the picturesque Sunset Village home their parents built in 1939. The adorable Morrissey twins were featured in the Capital Times both as babies and preschoolers, depicting an idyllic childhood on Sunset Park, a neighborhood that grew up along with them providing them lifelong friends and memories. Her mother created a beautiful home and gardens which Diane lovingly maintained and occupied throughout her life. After graduating from West High School in 1960, Diane attended Madison Business College then joined First National Bank, where she served as a teller from 1962 until her retirement in 1997. A fixture of both the downtown branch and Hilldale drive up, Diane loved serving customers. Outside of bank hours, the coworkers became great friends with frequent shopping excursions to Milwaukee, enjoying Madison dining and vacationing in Aruba. In more recent years, the gang became the Lunch Bunch, gathering regularly to recount old stories and new happenings. Above all, Diane loved to be home and with her family. She had an incredible memory for dates, events and family stories. She was a devoted niece to her mother's family in Litchfield, Ill., and enjoyed deep bonds with her two siblings and their families. Sister Donna and brother-in-law Bill Mello lived nearby and were a daily source of enjoyment and support. Brother Patrick and his wife Susan moved frequently with his military career, and Diane traveled to see them several times, including a memorable visit to Germany. She doted on their three children, who dearly loved her in return. Diane's love was embodied in her home, always available and welcoming. Holidays and birthdays were always celebrated together with her siblings and their children, then grandchildren as the years went on. After more than a year of pandemic isolation, the family joyfully reunited for an Easter celebration at Diane's home days before her death. She enjoyed the company of her many loved ones and savored the meal the family prepared in her honor. She was gifted with a beautiful spring day, birds busy at the feeders, and a gentle breeze through the open windows. Diane is preceded in death by her cherished parents, Donald and Emaline Morrissey. She is survived by twin sister, Donna Morrissey (Bill Mello) of Madison; and brother, Patrick (Susan Payne) Morrissey of Menasha, Wis. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Christine Morrissey (Jeffrey Verner) of Appleton, Michael Morrissey (Katie Sterns) of St. Paul, Minn., Anne Morrissey (Kendall McMinimy) of Fremont, Wis. and Donovan Mello (Patty Sabb) of Fitchburg. Two additional generations including seven great- and three great-great-nieces and nephews also basked in her love. Instead of a funeral, it was Diane's wish that her family have a private celebration of life and inurnment at the Morrissey farm in Lodi, Wis. The historic property is tied to the family's Irish immigration story, a deep part of the family history Diane cherished. Remembrances in Diane's honor may be made to Agrace HospiceCare, Madison. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Ave. (608) 831-6761