Diane Wilson McMahon passed away on March 23, 2026, in Putney, Vermont, after an unexpected and brief health challenge. She was 74 years old. Born on May 2, 1951, in St. Louis, Missouri, Diane lived a life rich with curiosity, creativity, and a deep connection to the people she loved.

Diane, known lovingly as "Di," and "Dizey," was raised in the suburbs of St. Louis and graduated from Kirkwood High School. She went on to attend her parents' alma mater, Duke University, graduating with honors in the class of 1973. While there she earned a triple degree in English, Religion, and Psychology. Endlessly curious, remarkably knowledgeable on countless subjects, and a conversationalist capable of captivating an entire dinner table, Diane’s life was defined by awe of the world around her and a deep, spiritual desire to share that awe with the people in her life. Everyone who knew her will remember her ability to turn a simple walk into something unforgettable. She possessed both a mind and heart that were open to all ideas and all people.

After college, Diane spent a year traveling South America, an experience she held close and spoke of often for the rest of her life. She then explored the US until finally moving to Washington, D.C. There she built a dynamic and varied career as a lobbyist, freelance writer, and interior designer. It was during this time she married Larry Weinberg, a relationship that lasted 15 years, ending in 1997. In 1985 Diane took on her most cherished role, becoming a mother to her son, Paul Wallace Weinberg. There was hardly a conversation she had where her love and pride in Paul was not made clear to the listener. They remain best friends and twin souls even in her passing.

In 2002, following her own mother's passing, Diane moved to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina to be near her father. Over the next two decades there, she developed extraordinary friendships, generously volunteered her time and talents throughout the community, walked the beach for hours every single morning, and adopted her beloved dog, Nibler. During her tenure in Hilton Head she worked as a census taker and became certified as a wilderness expert and a death doula. She was also a member of Toast Masters, taking home countless blue ribbons. This time was marked by her work alongside victims of domestic violence, as well. Her efforts in this arena were deeply meaningful to Diane and made good use of her vast empathy and loving presence.

Diane’s gifts were abundant, and her greatest joy came in sharing her singular vision of the world through writing. Her words had the power to open fresh perspectives, stir fond memories, and capture the very essence of a person. Diane loved the world. She was inspired by art, nature, film, animals, people, and most of all books. Much of her life was spent devouring book after book, her bedside always stacked high with novels, biographies and non-fiction works on history and psychology. An idle mind was something Diane simply never possessed.

She was a stunning woman with incredible style. Known for her adoration of the color purple, it was exciting to see what outfit Diane would be wearing and the unique pieces of jewelry she would use to enhance the look. Her presence was always announced by the scent of Clinique and she was a skilled makeup artist. Beyond her external beauty, however, lay a depth and richness of soul that few could match. Because of her ability to truly see and feel other people, she gave of herself in ways that made a real difference in the lives of those around her. She never failed to make others feel valued and validated, leaving a mark on all who knew her.

In October 2025, Diane sold her HHI condo and headed to Vermont to spend the winter with her sister and family. She had always adored the snow and after two decades without it, she was desperate for a real winter. She got her wish in spades, spending the last few months of her life walking the snow covered hills of Putney and breathing in the fresh crisp air alongside her precious Nibler. A true lover of all holidays, her last Christmas was enjoyed with both her siblings and extended family in a quintessential snowy Vermont setting. It was the perfect ending to a life fueled by love and wonder.

Diane McMahon was a gift to the world and while we are all richer for having known her, it is a major loss for humanity at large for such a dazzling light to have gone out. Our greatest consolation, however, is knowing that Diane is excited beyond belief to finally be able to explore the mysteries of the universe, untethered and completely free.

Diane was preceded in death by her father, William Wallace McMahon, and her mother, Joyce Hendricks McMahon. She is survived by her son, Paul Weinberg and his Fiancé Aidan Douglas, her sister, Martha Richardson, husband Seth and their two daughters Erika and Kelsey and her brother, Scott McMahon, wife Ellen and their children David and Lindsay.

A celebration of Diane's life will be announced by her family at a later date.

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