Diana Vogel Toomey passed away peacefully at home on February 26, 2026, surrounded by her family. Diana was a woman of boundless curiosity, a scientific mind, and a generous heart. She was 79 years old.

Her life was lived with intention and joy: full of learning, playfulness, and appreciation of the small things. She cared deeply for her friends and family, never forgetting a birthday or an anniversary. A beloved wife, mother, and grandmother she delighted in her three children and five grandchildren, following their interests and accomplishments with pride and enthusiasm.

Diana was born in Portland, ME, the daughter of Frederick W. Vogel and Maude Horner Vogel. Her father was her childhood hero, and some of her happiest memories were of summers spent exploring the coast of Maine on his boat and playing on the beach in Falmouth with her cousin, Carol. Her father passed away in 1978, but she and her mother were blessed to have many more years of close friendship before Maude’s death in 2004. Diana devotedly cared for her mother in her final years.

The memories and friendships from her childhood and high school years in Bellows Falls were a sustaining force throughout her life. Diana knew her future husband, Bill Toomey, from infancy: their parents, who played bridge together, would place them in the same crib. Years later, she found she was captivated by his quick wit, poet’s heart, and ability to spin a yarn. They shared interests not only in literature, but also in music; she was a talented flautist.

They fell in love, and Diana favored Bill with her hand in marriage in 1969, a union that would last 56 years. Early in their marriage, Bill and Diana traveled to the Netherlands and Switzerland, where their first two children, Sebastian and Anneke were born. After their return to the States, their third child, Theron, was born in the hospital just across the street from her parents’ house. Diana took on the challenges of motherhood with zeal. She and Bill often took direct responsibility for their children’s education, tutoring them in math, science, history, English, and foreign languages. Her gardening was another point of pride, and she cultivated beautiful flower beds and vegetable gardens where her children played, dreamed, and grazed on the fruits of her labor.

Diana earned her BA cum laude in English Literature from Wheaton in 1968, and she placed great value on academic achievement and the pursuit of knowledge throughout her life. For many years, she worked at Misty Valley Books in Chester, VT, a role that suited her perfectly. She loved bookselling and delighted in helping customers find just the right book. An avid book collector herself, she built a remarkable personal library spanning science, education, economics, architecture, and leadership. Her extensive vocabulary and competitive streak made her a formidable opponent at Bananagrams or any other word game.

She also gave generously of her time and talents to the community. A champion for literacy and education, she served on the elementary school and public library boards in Grafton. She had a fantastic head for numbers; she could do everything from chairing a meeting to writing a grant, and was a tiger at wrestling financial records into submission. In recent years, she served on the board of the nonprofit Julia’s Way, where she played an indispensable role in bringing its pioneering book Breastfeeding & Down Syndrome to publication.

Diana fought and beat breast cancer twice over the course of her life. She faced her final illness, stage IV lung cancer, with bravery and grace. Diana never smoked and was surprised to learn how common lung cancer is among non-smokers, particularly women. She would want others to be aware and seek screening. The family wishes to thank the compassionate hospice team and caregivers who supported Diana in her final days.

Diana is survived by her husband, Bill Toomey; her three children, Sebastian (Janna Cordeiro), Anneke (Edward Perry), and Theron; five grandchildren: Oscar, Diana, Ivan, and Isadora Perry, and Ava Toomey-Cordeiro; two step-grandchildren: Max Perry and Jacqueline Perry; sister-in-law, Deborah Toomey (David Whittall); nephew, Julian Rutledge and niece, Anna Rutledge; cousins, Carol Galloway, Monica Horner, and Glenn Horner (Diane); as well as dear friends who are considered family: Janet and David Curran, Gudrun Taubenberger, Desiree Herzfeld, Alysoun Johansson, Ailyn Hoey, Valerie Rooney, Ella Cullen, and the Brelsford family. Diana will always live in our hearts.

At the convenience of the family, a memorial gathering will be held later in the year. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Grace Cottage Foundation in Townshend, VT. https://gracecottage.org

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, VT.