Diane L. Beard, 72, passed away Thursday, June 29, 2023, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Jersey City to John & Rose Rapchinski on January 21, 1951. Their family moved to Lakewood, NJ where she grew up with her sister Joan, attending Lakewood High School. Diane spent her time roller skating in competitions, and pursuing her passion for horses. Many knew her as ‘Rappy” She eventually met and fell in Love with Bob Beard. They were married and started a family together in a home they had built in Bayville.
Diane was a devoted mother to Bobby, Amy & Tracy, her proudest accomplishments! She was always running to Baseball games, Cheerleading, and dance practice while they were growing up.
She became a proud grandmother to Gary & Kaylin, Mariah, Dylan, Mason, and Gracie – whom called her ‘silly grandma’. She also became A happy Great-Grandma to Annabel, and adored being called ‘GG’.
Diane will always be remembered for her big smile and infectious loud laugh! She certainly had a happy spirit, and would brighten any room she went in. She never met a stranger, always starting a conversation with everyone, and she made an endless amount of friends during her life. She had such a zest for life that just couldn’t be ignored.
Diane will surely be missed, but she was also very clear that she did not want any sad tears. Just like the sunshine, her favorite color was yellow. She requested everyone to remember her with happy memories, and to wear a smile when you think of her.
Services for friends and family will be 4pm-6pm Thursday, July 13, 2023, at DeGraff Lakehurst Funeral Home, 119 Union Ave., Lakehurst. In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations to help with funeral expenses.