Diane (Dumas) Gallagher, of Bedford, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on August 15, 2017 at the age of 58.

Diane was born in Stamford, CT to Gloria (Sutton) and Frederick G. Dumas on September 13, 1958.   She grew up in Candlewood Shores in Brookfield, CT. Summers were spent swimming in Lake Candlewood and enjoying the beach and bay in North Truro on Cape Cod. Winters were spent ice skating on the lake and tobogganing down the many hills in Brookfield.

Diane attended the public schools in Brookfield, and met the love of her life, Joe Gallagher, at Brookfield High School in 1974. Diane went on to earn her BA in English from Boston University and her MA in English Education from Tufts University. Diane became a wonderful, compassionate English teacher spending the past 21 years at Diamond Middle School in Lexington.

Diane and Joe married in 1986 and welcomed two bundles of joy into their Arlington home, Shannon in 1991 and Joey in 1995. In 1996, the family moved to Bedford, where they have enjoyed the many friendships they made in the past 21 years. Diane's passion was tap dancing, which she called her "happy place". She started at Lathrop School of Dance in Newtown, CT at the young age of 6, and most recently danced at Studio 10 in Lexington. Diane also enjoyed her many friends at Bunco, book clubs, and dinner groups. Diane would never miss a fun night out with the girls!

Diane leaves her devoted husband of 31 years (together 43 years), Joseph M. Gallagher, and children, Shannon and Joseph Jr. of Bedford. Diane leaves her beloved sister, Marcia Dumas, her husband, Paul Cavazzoni, and their children, Andrew and Benjamin of Reading. She also leaves her brother Alex Dumas, his wife Patty, and their children, Bret and Jenny, of Fair Haven, NJ. Diane was the cherished sister-in-law to Richard and Deb Gallagher, and his children Brendan and Katie; Laura and Gordon Peterson, and daughters Kristen, Kathleen, and Eleanor; James Gallagher; Kathleen and Olivier Chomienne, and daughter Tara; Hugh and Amy Gallagher, and daughters Gracie and Sarah. Diane was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

Visitation at Bedford Funeral Home, 167 Great Road, Bedford, Sunday, August 20, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Funeral Mass at St. Michael Church, Concord Road, Bedford, Monday, August 21, at 10:00 AM. Burial is private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the "CSF of Bedford Dollars for Scholars" for the Diane Gallagher Memorial Scholarship, PO Box 585, Bedford, MA 01730.