1965 – 2013

BOSTON, Mass. — Diane L. Barrell, 47, of Fairview Ave., Auburn, died peacefully in the arms of her husband, Jeff, Tuesday, March 5, at Mass General after a long and courageous battle with sarcoidosis in both her lungs and pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD), a very rare form of pulmonary hypertension.

Diane was born in Lewiston on Sept. 27, 1965, a daughter of Marcel and Colette (Bussier) Martin. She was educated in local schools and graduated from Lewiston High School, Class of 1983. Later, she went on to earn her associate’s degree at Mid-State College in 1991.

Diane married the love of her life, Jeff Barrell, on Oct. 9, 1993, in Standish. Together they settled in Auburn to raise their two children. Diane was working at Reeder Chiropractic Healthcare as a chiropractic assistant until her illness stopped her.

Diane was a member of Holy Cross Church and attended East Auburn Baptist Church. She was an amazing person and always kept a very positive attitude during this very difficult disease. She was very loving and caring and always helped out anyone she could.

She enjoyed scrapbooking, spending time at the beach, helping out her parents and, most of all, following her children wherever their sports led her.

She leaves her husband of 19 years, Jeff Barrell of Auburn; her daughter, Krista of Auburn; her son, Jacob of Auburn; her mother, Colette Martin of Lewiston; a sister, Rachel Talarico of Lewiston; two brothers, Robert “Bob” Martin and wife, Sharon, of Turner, and James “Jim” Martin and wife, Jennifer, of Lewiston; her in-laws, Richard and Sharon Barrell of Fleetwood, Pa.; her three sisters-in-law, Kelly Rothenburger and husband, Brian, of Va., Vicky Heffner and husband, Chad, and Jamie Kunkel and husband, Donny, of Pa.; many nieces and nephews that she adored; and her extended hockey family.

She was predeceased by her father, Marcel Martin in 2012; and her brother-in-law, Tony Talarico, in 2004.

Diane would want us all to remember: “LIVE, LAUGH & LOVE.”

You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Diane’s life by visiting her guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.

Copy the Story Link