Diane Adele Neves, a beautiful and wonderfully caring wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, godmother, friend and most importantly, grandmother, was dearly loved and cherished by her loving family and lifelong friends.
Diane was born in Los Banos, California on September 30th, 1956, to her loving parents, John and Dorothy Menezes. She grew up in Gustine, California surrounded by the love and laughter of a large close-knit family, with five wonderful siblings by her side. Diane spent her childhood on the family ranch creating countless cherished memories and it was in this loving environment that she learned the true value of family and the beauty of simple, yet meaningful moments. She attended Our Lady of Miracles Catholic School and later went on to graduate from Gustine High School in 1974.
In 1975, Diane was leaving a party and crossed paths with Anthony Neves. As Anthony would say, “it was love at first sight” and he knew in that instant that one day, he would ask her to be his wife. Once officially introduced, they fell quickly in love and married in February of 1976.
On Valentine’s Day 1977, Diane and Anthony were overjoyed to welcome their first child, Christopher, whom she always lovingly referred to as her “Sweetheart born on Sweethearts’ Day.” A few years later, their family grew with the birth of their daughter, Mary Ann, whom Diane affectionately referred to as “Little Mary Sunshine,” completing their loving household. One of Diane’s greatest joys in life was being a mom. She poured her heart and soul into raising Chris and Mary Ann, always putting their needs first with unwavering love and devotion. Chris and Mary Ann will forever love her dearly. To them, she was not just a mother, but the best mom on the planet - compassionate, caring and endlessly supportive. By Diane’s design, the Neves home was always the ultimate gathering place for her children and their friends. Bikes often piled up in the front yard, a true sign of where the fun was happening. The sounds of laughter would regularly fill the air as children swam long past midnight! Sleepovers were a constant and no one ever went home hungry, as Diane’s delicious meals and homemade sweets were a staple. She made every gathering feel extra special and full of joy, and her home was a place where memories were made and every child felt like part of the family.
Diane was also an incredibly active member in her community, a true philanthropist, whose generosity and compassion knew no bounds. While raising her children, Diane was a pillar in the school community, always stepping up to take the lead whenever the school needed support. At the same time, Diane served on the Merced County Spring Fair (May Day) Board for more than 20 years and was the creative inspiration for the Arts and Exhibit program. Because of her hard work and dedication at May Day and throughout the community, she was chosen as the May Day Grand Marshal in 2019 alongside her husband, Anthony. The title of Grand Marshal is a beautiful tradition to honor benefactors whose contributions have left a lasting impact on the community, and Diane truly embodied the spirit of that distinction. Another cause that was near and dear to Diane’s heart was helping children in need, which led her to CASA of Merced County where she was a tremendously active board member for 10 years and went on to become Board President. She volunteered long hours, planned countless charity events, acted as an ambassador to the community and was always available to provide anything needed to support CASA. Diane truly was an incredible person who dedicated herself to supporting others and making a positive difference in the lives of those around her, leaving a legacy of kindness and giving.
Diane also loved to travel. Diane and Anthony visited many parts of Europe, including Portugal, Spain, France and Italy. Attending Pope Benedict’s Papal Audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican and a Holy Mass at Fatima in Portugal. She loved Lisbon, enjoyed wine tasting in Provence and was captivated by the timeless beauty of the South of France. Diane was equally inspired by trips to Yosemite, Yellowstone and Glacier National Park, with Anthony riding co-pilot. The Hawaiian Islands were a wonderfully special place for Diane, where she found peace in the sunsets, flora, culture and ocean waves meeting the beach in many trips surrounded by her family, most favorably with her adoring grandchildren.
Without question, though, Diane’s greatest joy was being a grandmother to Jessica, Rebecca and Jack. She was affectionately called “Vava” and poured her heart into spoiling and adoring her grandchildren, finding immeasurable happiness in watching them grow and creating lasting memories with them all. From arts and crafts to pancake art, pottery and baking, Vava was always ready with the best activities for her grandchildren. Sleepover parties, frosting cookies, playing with toys, and even helping with homework - she did it all with joy and enthusiasm. She was a grandmother and a best friend all in one, and a constant source of profound love and endless fun. Jessica, Rebecca and Jack adore her beyond measure and love her tremendously. Being a Vava was the pinnacle of her life’s blessing, and she reveled in every precious moment spent with her beloved grandchildren.
Diane is survived by her loving family: husband, Anthony; son, Christopher (Alexis) Neves; daughter, Mary Ann (Michael) Charters; grandchildren, Jessica and Rebecca Neves and Jack Charters; mother, Dorothy Menezes; siblings, Patrick (Lisa) Menezes, Katherine (Michael) Crinklaw, Carol (Maurice) Etcheverry, Sally (Nick) Carlucci and Shannon Menezes; and many wonderful nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
Diane is preceded in death by her father, John J. Menezes Sr.; brother, John J. Menezes Jr. and niece, Elyse Etcheverry.
Diane passed away peacefully at home on February 19th, 2025. Diane’s love was a constant guiding light and her presence will forever be deeply missed by her family and friends. She will forever be held in our hearts with immense love and gratitude.
Diane’s Recitation of the Rosary and Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, March 12th, 2025, at 10:00 am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Los Banos, California.
Should friends desire, memorial contributions can be made in memory of Diane to organizations she loved: the Elyse “Miss E” Etcheverry Memorial Scholarship (1350 E. Pacheco Blvd. #B- 283, Los Banos, CA 93635) or CASA of Merced County (mercedcasa.org).
Services conducted by Hillview Funeral Chapels, Gustine.
