Diane M. Choiniere, 66, passed away on November 16, 2016 at the McClure Miller VNA Respite Home in Colchester, surrounded by her family. She waged a courageous battle against parkinsons’ disease and cancer, with unwavering tenacity, never a complaint, and her husband and best friend, Paul, by her side.

Diane was born on September 23, 1950 in Burlington, the daughter of Barbara and the late Robert Poquette. She is a graduate of Burlington High School and Champlain and Plymouth State Colleges. She received her masters in education at St. Michael’s College, following which she taught business classes at Burlington High School for more than a decade. She is still remembered as a devoted teacher who took a special interest in every one of her students. Diane marked her way as an entrepreneur as the founder and operator of The Marine Collection, a power boat dealership in South Burlington. This business venture was a natural choice for Diane, whose favorite pastime was boating on Malletts Bay.

Diane’s love for the water ultimately led her to Key West, where she cultivated an extraordinary group of friends, which were a big part of her life. She continued to cherish her summers in Burlington with her closest childhood friends and neighbors. Diane was not often spotted without her mother, Barbara, and her beloved cocker spaniel, Bella, both of whom meant the world to her.

Mostly, the essence of Diane’s spirit were her beloved grandchildren, who brightened her every day. To them, “Grammie” will always be their cool and doting grandmother who loved to ride motorcycles and who practiced Taekwondo. She tirelessly earned rank as a triple black belt along side her grandson, Ryan, together competing in tournaments around New England under the tutelage of Master Dan Linde.

Left to honor her memory are her husband of 37 years, Paul Choiniere; her mother and side-kick Barbara Poquette of Williston; her step-son Paul Choiniere II and wife Lori of Shelburne; her step-daughter Michelle Choiniere of Jericho; and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law Anita and Steven Samson of St. Albans. Her seven surviving grandchildren, Tyler, Ryan, Tanner and Oliver Choiniere and Caleb, Brandon and Sierra Aguiar were her greatest treasure.

Diane humbly earned the adoration and love of all of her caregivers at the UVM Medical Center. Diane’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Amanda and Jamie and the Shepardson 4 team for their compassionate care. A memorial servicel will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at the First Congregational Church of Essex in Essex, Jct., beginning at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the McClure Miller VNA Respite Home may be sent in memory of Diane Choiniere c/o Patty LaRose-Kent, 1110 Prim Road, Colchester, VT 05446. A celebration of Diane’s life will take place on July 3, 2017 at her home in Burlington. The family also invites you to share your memories and condolences by visiting www.awrfh.com.