Date published: 3/21/2008

Diane B. DeGross

Diane Beneville DeGross, 66, of Spotsylvania County died peacefully on Palm Sunday, March 16, 2008, at Mary Washington Hospital.

She was raised and educated in Mount Lakes, N.J. She graduated from Ohio State University, receiving a B.S. in education. She received M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in English from St. Louis University.

Prior to her retirement, she was self-employed for many years as a financial consultant with Laboure & Associates in Locust Grove.

She was a member of the Fawn Lake Country Club Ladies Golf Association. She was an avid reader, and greatly enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents, Edward S. and Patricia A. Flannagan Beneville, as well as her brothers, Billy and Biff.

She is survived by her husband, Pierce DeGross; her son, Pierce DeGross III of Arlington; her daughters, Michelle Serafin of Westfield, N.J., and Renee Valdes of Atlanta, Ga.; her brother, Edward Beneville of Santa Ana, Calif; her sisters, Susan Talucci of Edwards, Colo., and Patricia "Tish" McGee of Haddonfield, N.J.; five grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather at St. Catherine of Siena R.C. Church, the Boulevard at Pocono Road, Mount Lakes, N.J., on Tuesday, March 25, where her liturgy of Christian burial will be celebrated by Archbishop Peter L. Gerety at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover.

For those who wish, contributions in her memory to The Myositis Association, 1233 20th St., Suite 402, Washington, D.C. 20036, Attn: Development Department; or to the Sisters of Christian Charity, Mallinckrodt Convent, 350 Bernardsville, Road, Mendham, N.J. 07945, would be greatly appreciated.

Arrangements are by Lewis & Carey, Directors of Funerals, 312 W. Main St., Boonton, N.J.

Date published: 3/21/2008