Diane (Powalski) Bourdon

Diane Powalski Bourdon, age 66, of Greenville, DE, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, with her family by her side.

She was born in Wilmington, daughter of the late Joseph and Edna (Kowalski) Powalski. She was a graduate of Conrad High School and worked as a cosmetologist before marrying Alex Bourdon in April of 1982. Shortly after starting their family, Diane went back to school and began her career as a paralegal with Tomasetti Law where she continued to work for 25 years, retiring in 2019.

Diane loved nothing more than spending time with her family, especially doting on her grandchildren. She absolutely loved the beach, whether soaking in the sun at ocean’s edge, boating or clamming at James Farm on the Indian River. She was an excellent cook and made friends wherever she went. She particularly enjoyed regularly meeting with lifelong friends as part of the “Conrad Girls”.  She was a devout member of Brandywine Valley Church, where she cherished her Bible Study group and regularly volunteered her time and cooking skills to provide food for underprivileged children in Urban Promise. In her limited spare time, Diane enjoyed fellowship and competition at Bayside Tennis Club.

She is survived by her husband, Alex; her children, Brian (Melody) and Lauren Giles (Justin); her grandchildren, Ethan, Madelyn, and Avery Grace Giles; and her siblings, Joseph Powalski III (Carla; his children, Joseph, Eric, and Rachel) and Barbara Gillis (Jeff; their children, Jeffrey and Taylor).

In addition to her parents, Diane is preceded in death by her sister, Eileen Petrakian.

All services for Diane will take place at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808. On Tuesday, November 21, 2023, a viewing will be held from 4:30 – 7pm. On Wednesday, November 22, 2023, an additional viewing will be held from 9:00 – 11:00am with a funeral service to follow. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Diane’s memory can be made to: Saving Grace Animal Rescue of Maryland, PO Box 92, Millersvile MD 21108; Brandywine Valley Church, 7 Mount Lebanon Road, Wilmington DE 19803; or to the Gift of Life Donor Program, 401 N. 3rd Street, Philadelphia PA 19103.

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