Memorial Mass
Obituary of Diane F. Coughlin
Diane F. Coughlin, a longtime resident of Larchmont, NY, and beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, was born on August 8, 1936, in the Inwood section of Manhattan. From the very beginning, she possessed a uniquely simple style and grace combined with a genuine warmth that was seen and felt by all who knew her.
In 1945, Diane moved with her family to Mamaroneck, where she attended and graduated from Holy Trinity School. The family later settled in Larchmont in 1953. Diane continued her education at St. Gabriel’s High School in New Rochelle and graduated from Our Lady of Victory High School in Mount Vernon.
As a young woman, Diane enjoyed a long and successful career as a Powers model. She became known as the Sealtest Ice Cream Girl and appeared on billboards in Times Square— an unforgettable milestone marking her early success. Her modeling career enabled her parents to move to Westchester, New York, where they opened a women’s specialty shop in Larchmont, fittingly named Diane’s. Diane continued modeling in fashion as an adult, working with the Leslie Fay dress company.
Diane worked at Lord & Taylor in New York for over two decades, starting as a decorator’s assistant and working her way up to one of their in-house designers. At night, she attended the New York School of Interior Design, where she earned her interior decorator’s degree and ASID certification. She later opened a design firm, Diane Coughlin ~ Interior Design. Diane also spent time working alongside her sister, Maureen, at Success Image, Inc., where she helped individuals discover their passions and find meaningful career paths.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Diane was a woman of deep conviction and compassion. She played an instrumental role working with the PFLAG organization and the Boy Scouts of America, advocating for inclusion and dignity for all. In April of 1976, Diane chaired a high-profile Boy Scouts of America luncheon held at Windows on the World. The event honored First Lady Betty Ford for her commitment to youth development and highlighted the organization’s mission during a pivotal era. Diane also ran the Speakers Outreach Program at PFLAG in New York City for many years, focusing on the prevention of bullying. She was later honored to serve as the final speaker at the Boy Scouts of America National Annual Meeting, where the vote concluded with a decision in favor of inclusion. For her extraordinary service, Diane was awarded the North Star Award by the Boy Scouts of America. These efforts reflected her unwavering belief in fairness, dignity, and love for all.
In 1955, she married John M. Coughlin, also of Larchmont. John predeceased her in 2019. They were married for 63 years and raised five children: John (Renee), Joseph (Patty), Marion Twyman (Jay), Michael (Najat), and Tom. She was grandmother to twelve grandchildren and a great-grandmother to six great-grandchildren. Jack and Diane were a powerful combination socially. They made lasting friendships wherever they went. They were great fundraisers for civic causes and were said to be able to “work a room” like a pair of pros. Diane became Jack’s most valuable salesperson just because she was “by my side,” he would say. Together they built a thriving insurance brokerage.
It was Diane’s infectious laugh that will be most remembered. It filled rooms, lifted spirits, and reminded everyone around her to find joy in the moment. God knows she loved to laugh—and that laughter will echo in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Diane passed away peacefully on the afternoon of January 29, 2026, in Rye, New York. She is survived by her two sisters, Maureen Morris and Cheryl Fay, with whom she shared a close and loving bond.
Diane leaves behind a legacy of love, courage, joy, and acceptance. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated for Diane on Friday February 13, 2026 at 10:00AM at Sts. John & Paul Church 280 Weaver Street Larchmont, NY 10538.
Donations in Diane’s honor may be made to:
Project Sunshine
Greater Hudson Valley Scouting America