Diane G. (Gurnham) LaPorte

Mrs. Diane G. (Gurnham) LaPorte, age 72, beloved bride of Peter L. LaPorte, Jr. former Utica resident and currently of Bolingbrook, Illinois, passed away on Friday, December 17, 2010 in the comfort and privacy of her home with her loving family by her side. Born in New Haven, Connecticut on March 12, 1938, Diane was the daughter of the late C. Fred and Vivian (Wikander) Gurnham. She was raised and educated in East Lansing, Michigan, and furthered her studies by attending Michigan State University. On March 7, 1957 she married her college sweetheart, Peter L. LaPorte, Jr., and their love, respect, and relationship bloomed throughout their 53 years of marriage. A loving and nurturing mother, Diane shared a great love for her family and gave of herself genuinely, especially when caring for her children. Her pastimes included doll collecting, sewing, and especially quilting. Diane is survived by her husband, Peter L. Jr.; her daughter and son-in-law, Susan Ann and James Humpf of Bolingbrook; and her son and daughter-in-law, Peter L. III and Eva LaPorte of Naperville, IL. She cherished in her heart the memory of her son, William F. “Billy” LaPorte, who passed away on February 3, 2001. She also leaves her grandchildren, Stephen F. Humpf, James Humpf, Jr., Emily Marie Humpf, Peter La Porte IV, and Thomas LaPorte. Survivors also include her brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert and Eleanor Gurnham of FL, and Roy and Linda Gurnham of VA; her nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Joseph LaPorte of MA, and Richard Barman of Indiana. She was predeceased by her sister, Sandra Barman; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Peter and Angeline LaPorte; and her brother-in-law, Anthony P. “Sonny” LaPorte. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 3:00-5:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Clinic in Chicago, IL; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Diane’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Tuesday afternoon at 5:00 at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation, with Rev. Joseph Salerno officiating. Committal prayers and interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Diane G. (Gurnham) LaPorte

March 12, 1938 - December 17, 2010