In Loving Memory of Diana Wray Wallace

March 28, 1941 • July 17, 2026

Diana Wallace, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2026. Born on March 28, 1941, in Yonkers, New York, Diana grew up in West Hempstead, where she formed many lifelong friendships and began building the foundation of the vibrant, generous, and adventurous life she would go on to lead.

In her youth, Diana was known as a spirited and kind presence. She ran track, danced ballet, and performed on her high school dance team, embracing movement and music with the same joy she carried throughout her life. She was a trusted babysitter in her neighborhood — a testament to her natural warmth and reliability. Early in her working life, she worked at Best & Co. in New York City, where her mother also worked, and later at American Airlines, experiences that sparked her love of travel and opened the door to the career that would define her professional life.

Known to everyone as the woman who could turn a dream vacation into reality, Diana spent 30 years as a travel agent, helping countless families and couples discover the world. Her passion for travel began early, fueled by dreams of visiting Mont St. Michel and standing before the pyramids of Egypt. Over her lifetime, she fulfilled those dreams and many more. She traveled throughout Europe and to extraordinary places such as Petra, Jerusalem, India, China, Russia, and Nepal — even flying around Mt. Everest, an experience she treasured deeply. She explored the United States from coast to coast.

Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life. A devoted Catholic, Diana took a pilgrimage to Medjugorje, a journey that deepened her spiritual connection and remained one of her most meaningful experiences. She was also a member of the Secular Franciscan Order, embracing its values of humility, service, and compassion — principles she lived every day.

While raising her children, Diana poured her creativity and dedication into her community. She participated in local theater as a stage manager and wrote grants that helped bring performances to life. She worked as a proofreader, applying her sharp eye and love of language to help others refine their work, and she volunteered as both a Girl Scout leader and a religion teacher, shaping young lives with patience and kindness.

Her generosity extended far beyond her immediate community. Diana volunteered with the Fresh Air Fund, opening her home and heart to children seeking new experiences, and she hosted exchange students from several countries, sharing her love of culture and learning. These relationships enriched her life and reflected her lifelong belief that the world was meant to be explored — and shared.

When she wasn’t traveling or volunteering, Diana found joy in life’s quieter pleasures. She was an avid reader, and those who knew her well could often find her curled up with the latest whodunit, determined to solve the mystery before the final page.

But for all her travels and accomplishments, Diana’s greatest joy was always her family. She was a devoted mother whose love shaped every part of her life. She is survived by her five children — Brian, Cathleen, James, Lisa, and Sean — and her six grandchildren, who will remember her not only for the souvenirs she brought home from every trip, but for the stories, the laughter, and the lesson she instilled: that the world is always worth exploring. She also leaves behind extended family and dear friends who will miss her deeply. Diana and Brian MacCarthy shared many years of marriage, during which they raised their five children together. She was predeceased by her brother, Charles Wallace, whom she held dearly in her heart.

Diana’s viewing will be held on July 31st from 2-4 pm at Baldwin Brothers, a Funeral and Cremation Society, 1654 N. Semoran Blvd., Orlando. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ASPCA, a cause close to her heart.

Diana has now begun her final journey, and her family takes comfort in knowing that wherever it leads, she travels with the same curiosity, joy, and love she carried everywhere she went.

Safe travels, Mom.