Newburyport - Newburyport - After a brief illness, the world grew quiet on November 2 as Diane "Petey" Dooling, a longtime resident of Newburyport, drifted peacefully from this shore to the next, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, humility, humor, and love.

Born in Amesbury, Diane was the daughter of Oscar and Elizabeth (McTaggart) Young. She was predeceased by her brother, Clark Young of Beverly. A graduate of Beverly High School, she attended Endicott College before settling in Newburyport with her late husband, Thomas M. Dooling of Beverly.

Petey loved most her family, friends, faith, and the ocean—things that defined her life and work. While she made friends wherever she went, it was the lifelong friendships from her youth that she held closest to her heart.

Throughout her life, Petey worked in a variety of roles, all sharing a common thread of service. Serving others brought her joy; it was her way of giving thanks for the life she was given.

She is lovingly remembered by her five children: Jeffrey Dooling (and his late wife, Karen Thing) of Rowley; Kristen and her husband, Thomas Rogers, of Newburyport; Lyn Jacques (and her late husband, John) of Holyoke, MA; Lisa Estabrook of Stratham, NH; and Timothy and his wife, Christine Dooling, of Foxboro, MA.

Her greatest joy was being a grandmother. "Mimi" is cherished and survived by her beloved grandchildren — Shauna, Danielle, Matthew, Cameron, Sydney, Emily, Katie, Conor, Lily, Thomas, Erin, and Sarah — each of whom meant the world to her. They carry her love and wisdom in their hearts; this is her lasting legacy.

Though no longer in our sight, her spirit remains — in every act of kindness her life set in motion.

"She lived in the service of others, and in doing so, taught us what it means to live a life of love."

At her request, a private family ceremony will honor Petey's life. A celebration of life for family and friends will be held in the spring of 2026. The Twomey, LeBlanc & Conte Funeral Home, 193 High Street, Newburyport, MA, is assisting the Dooling family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please perform a simple act of kindness in her memory — as she strove to do every day of her life.

To offer online condolences please visit www.tlcfuneralhome.com