Diana Kathleen Smith, 82, of Wheatfield, NY, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026, surrounded by her loving family while under the care of Niagara Hospice, following a courageous 1½‑year battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Niagara Falls, NY, she was the daughter of the late Emmett and Ruth (Edwards) Crawley.

Diana was a graduate of Niagara Falls High School and later earned her certificate as a Central Service Technician from Niagara County Community College. On April 4, 1975, she married Loren N. Smith in Niagara Falls, NY. Mr. Smith predeceased her on February 9, 2005.

During the 1970s, Diana was employed in the Payroll Department at Niagara University. She later worked as a Pharmacy Technician at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center and then as a Central Service Technician at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital. She was an active member of the Wheatfield Senior Center, where she enjoyed line dancing, and was a longtime member of Prince of Peace Church and Immaculate Conception Church.

Diana had a deep love and affection for animals, especially dogs. She cherished her beloved Sidney, as well as her dogs who passed before her—Toby, Ella, Tiger, and Retzel. She was passionate about helping rescue animals in need. Diana also treasured time spent with her children and grandchildren and she was immensely proud of her grandchildren's accomplishments. Her grandchildren were her greatest joy. She especially enjoyed attending all of their school, music, sporting events and graduations. Diana loved the holidays and shopping and she was known for her extreme generosity. She also was a fan of the Buffalo Bills. Diana will be remembered for being strong‑willed, independent, smart, witty, determined, hardworking, kind, caring, generous, and selfless. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Diana is survived by her three daughters, Denise (Anthony) Marsala, Pamela (Robert) Grimm, and April Kathleen Smith; her stepson, Brian (Wendy) Smith; her grandchildren, Jacob Gaydos and Jordan Gaydos; her step‑grandson, Jason Becker; her former spouse, Michael DePasquale; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her siblings, Cynthia Crawley and Kevin (Margaret “Peggy”) Crawley, and her step‑children, Karen Becker and Robert Alan Smith.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 4, from 3–7 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304, where funeral services will begin on Friday at 9:15 AM, followed by Diana’s Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM at Prince of Peace Church, 1055 N. Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Interment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to the Niagara County SPCA (www.niagaraspca.org). Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.