South Royalton, VT – Diane G. MacKenzie, 79, passed peacefully on February 3, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by family at the Jack Byrne Center in Lebanon, NH. She was born on July 11, 1946, to Kenneth and Dolores Lyons in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada.
After years working for the Telephone Company, Diane devoted herself fully to her family, home, and knitting business. She was the heart of her family-especially proud of her role as “Mimi,” first to Aubrey and later to Maddox. Diane found her greatest joy in caring for others, keeping family well fed, and spending time with those she loved. She wore lots of pink for being a proud breast cancer survivor, loved Hallmark movies, and enjoyed listening and sharing stories that kept her friends and family close.
In addition to her parents, Diane is predeceased by her brothers Donald Lyons and Raymond Lyons, and sisters Sandra Lyons and Rhena Lyons. Diane is survived by her beloved husband of over 60 years, Donald MacKenzie; her son and daughter-in-law, Ian and Deneé MacKenzie; her cherished grandchildren, Aubrey and Maddox; her brother and sister-in-law, Clarence and Susan Lyons, brother Robert “Bobby” Lyons, sister and brother-in-law Rosayln “Chick” and Michael Ryan, her beloved nieces, Laurie Reynolds (Lyons), Carrie Goodness (Lyons), and Julie Tenney (Lyons), and nephew Donald Paul Lyons II, as well as many other nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.
Calling hours will be held at the Boardway and Cilley Funeral Home in Chelsea, VT, on Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
A graveside service will take place in the spring, with a celebration of life planned for this summer. All are welcome.
A private message of sympathy for the family can be shared at www.boardwayandcilley.com.
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