Diana Margaret Bruce Bohane, 76, succumbed to complications of Alzheimer’s disease at Geer Village in Canaan, Connecticut on Saturday, October 10, 2020. She was born in Ambala, India on April 10, 1944 to Denis Bruce Knapp and Dorothy Jean Este Knapp (neé Campbell). At the age of four her family left India, returning to England where she grew up in Tonbridge.
Searching for adventure and born with a love of travel, after finishing secondary school, Diana worked as a secretary with the British Intelligence service MI6 and lived for several years in Aden, Yemen. She later moved to Hong Kong where she met her husband, John Bohane. They were married in 1970 and continued to live in Hong Kong for several years during which they travelled around Southeast Asia. Her husband’s career later meant a brief move to Canada and then a permanent relocation to South Salem, New York where both of their daughters were born. Diana and John divorced in 1994.
Diana pursued her education receiving a BA from Empire State College and a Masters in Social Work (MSW) from Columbia University, whilst her children were in primary school. She then began a lengthy career as a Psychiatric Social Worker, committed to working with those suffering from serious mental health and substance abuse challenges. Diana devoted much of her life to her job, motivated to serve those who were often ignored by society.
Diana’s life was further enriched by her interests outside of work. She was a dedicated mother, skilled knitter, avid baker, talented gardener, lover of animals, amateur photographer and a committed member of the local Democratic Party. In the last years of her life she particularly enjoyed being close to nature and her beloved cats and dogs.
Diana will be forever remembered by a loving family including Fiona Bohane, son-in-law Brian Reardon, their daughter Rosemary Aiobheann Reardon, Stephanie Bohane and son-in-law Andrew Taylor in Australia and brother Michael, living in England.
A special thank you to the staff of Cardinal Court at Geer Nursing and Rehab. The care, compassion and dignity shown to Diana during her stay there was and continues to be a great comfort to her family.
A private celebration of life and scattering of ashes will take place in England at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: the Alzheimer’s Association (link).
