Diana L. (Chiumento) Perkins

Diana L. Chiumento Perkins, 96, passed away peacefully at her home in Shrewsbury, MA, on Saturday, January 24, 2026, with her beloved son and daughter-in-law by her side.

She was born on December 8th, 1929 - the Feast of the Immaculate Conception - in Leominster, Massachusetts, to her loving parents Angelina and Michael Chiumento. She truly enjoyed growing up in the old Dudley Street neighborhood among her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, and often told stories of her happy childhood and the people and events that shaped it.

In addition to her parents, Diana was preceded in death by her much-loved sister, Gilda Chiumento Simeoni, a host of beloved family members including her niece Kathy, and many aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins, and her former husband Edward Perkins.

She is survived by her loving family made up of her son, Dana Michael, and his wife Jill; four grandchildren, Elena, Alexander, Lily, and Emily; her grandson-in-law, Jack; her great-granddaughter, Aurelia; and other family members including her dear brother and sister-in-law Christopher and Ann Chiumento of Leominster; along with many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, and cousins, all of whom she cherished very much.

Diana loved to help others, and this led her to a life-long career in nursing. As a graduate of the Leominster School of Nursing, Diana’s calling led her to travel throughout Europe as a private nurse. She also worked as an emergency room and operating room nurse at Leominster Hospital, and eventually became the school nurse at Johnny Appleseed Elementary School, and later Leominster High School. Many commented throughout the years that she was the best nurse they had ever known.

Diana always had a special devotion to children. After welcoming her own son, Dana Michael, into the world, she joyfully dedicated herself to motherhood, sharing with Dana her love of literature and travel, and instilling in him the importance of education, faith and family. Some of Dana’s fondest memories are of the wonderful family gatherings for holidays and special occasions, wherein the food and laughter freely flowed.

Diana loved all the children in her family; she was the beloved ‘Auntie’ to her nieces and nephews and their many children. But none brought her more happiness than her own cherished grandchildren. For a span of almost 30 years they were the light of her life, and she theirs. She was the most fun and loving Nonna there could ever be, and the wealth of happy memories she gifted them will be theirs to treasure forever.

Diana had many interests and hobbies. She was passionate about cooking, reading, and traveling. Every year she had a bountiful vegetable garden, and each summer she embarked on a quest to pick as many wild blueberries as she possibly could. Diana was a lifelong learner, and her hobbies included needlepoint, stained glass, ceramics, and going to the casino. Diana was an amazing cook; she specialized in Italian cuisine, making her own pastas, sauces and breads. Perhaps even more than cooking, Diana loved to bake. She could often be found in her kitchen, with an apron tied around her waist and a pot of coffee perking on the counter, busily rolling pie dough or testing out a new recipe for cookies. The quantity and quality of her annual Christmas cookies and fudge became the stuff of legend, and if you ever tasted them you would never forget the experience.

Faith was the cornerstone of Diana’s life. A devout Catholic, she attended Saint Anna’s Parish for decades, volunteering for many events throughout the years, and becoming close to many of the nuns at St. Ann’s Convent. She later became a member of Saint Mary Parish in Shrewsbury when, after spending 45 years in her wonderful home on Douglas Avenue in North Leominster, she moved there in 2015 to take up residence with her son and his family. Diana attended Mass regularly, and her home was populated with religious artwork. She was especially devoted to Saint Padre Pio of San Giovanni Rotondo, the Italian town where her own family originated.

To everyone who knew her, Diana was the very soul of kindness, humility and generosity. She was the most giving person of all. She had a wonderful sense of humor along with an adventurous spirit that contributed to the rich and happy life that she led. Everyone who met her loved her; she became “Nonna” to many of her grandchildren’s friends.. Even during the very last couple years of her life, when she was old and frail and dealing with memory and cognitive decline, those who met her knew immediately that she was a unique and lovely person. She will be remembered for many things; her snappy outfits, her laughter, her hospitality, and her boundless generosity. To all those who knew her, Diana’s life was a gift from God made up of love, comfort, and grace. She touched all who knew her in the most wonderful way. She will be sadly missed, until we are all together once more.

A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, February 3 at 11:00 AM at St. Anna Church, 194 Lancaster St., a calling hour in the church will precede the Mass from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Burial will follow in St. Leo Cemetery.

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