Diane M. Barrett

Diane M. Barrett, 79, went to Jesus on December 26, 2020. She was born on July 22, 1941 in Cleveland, OH to the late Albert L. and Leonarda L. (Stetina) Pelcin. Diane is survived by her husband, John of 41 years. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Ellen (Ray) Halicki; sister-in-law, Frances Pelcin; nephews: Brian (Maria Theresa) and Craig (Kathleen) Pelcin, David (Heidi), Michael (Jennifer), and Jeffrey (Rachael) Halicki; Timothy and Brian (Heather) Barrett; niece, Colleen Barrett; and 14 grand nieces and nephews. Diane was preceded in death by her brother, Jon Pelcin, and a nephew Thomas Barrett.Diane entered the convent in the order of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cleveland. She attended Ursuline College where she received her bachelor's degree, and continued on to receive her Master's in Religious Education at John Carroll University. She taught religion at Nazareth High school for several years. Sometime after leaving the convent she married the love of her life, John, on September 28, 1979, where they both continued doing the Lord's work in Cleveland, OH; Covington, KY; and Bear, DE. Diane and John worked together fundraising for the Ft. Wayne-South Bend Diocese, then on to the Augustinians in Chicago. When their health started to decline, Mary Ellen, Diane's sister, moved them to South Bend where she could care for them.Diane didn't have any children of her own, but she adored her nieces and nephews. She loved shopping for them and was known as the ‘chief' babysitter. She loved Christmas. Every year she would put up three full sized trees and adorn them with homemade ornaments. She also enjoyed cross-stitching and playing POGO on her computer for hours. Diane also collected Annalee dolls.Diane will be remembered for her great love of Christ, her generosity and love.A Christian Mass will take place on Monday, January 4, 2021 at 10:30 am with visitation 1 hour prior at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 52553 Fir Rd., in Granger. Those who wish to attend virtually, please go to St. Pius.net or facebook.com/StPiusGranger. Burial in Ft. Wayne will take place at a later time. Donations are asked to be made to Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, 375 Kings Highway North, Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08034 or msaa@mymsaa.org.Funeral arrangements are being handled by McGann Hay Funeral Home To send private condolences or to share memories, please visit www.McGannHay.com