Diane Regina Nimatallah

Diane R. Nimatallah (née Fairfield), beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025 at the age of 84.

Born in 1941 to Ethel and John Fairfield, Diane grew up in the Point of Pines section of Revere, Massachusetts with her three sisters—Heidi (Berndt), Judy (Stanley), and Susan (Finkle)—and close relatives nearby. She enjoyed beach days, clamming and lobster bakes with her cousins Tony and Bonnie Tieuli and Mary Ann Butler, with Uncle John Tieuli as chef. She graduated from Revere High School and U. Mass. Amherst where she acted in plays and had the lead role in Guys and Dolls. She later earned her master’s degree in education from Salem State College. After marrying Yusuf Nimatallah, Diane embraced a life of adventure, spending many years in Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman, where she raised her two daughters, and formed friendships that endured across continents and decades including and especially with the ElBoushi family.

While living in the D.C. area, she was elected for a two-year term as President of Welcome to Washington international club. Later she taught English as a Second Language in Centreville, Virginia, where she not only guided children in language but also in belonging. She founded an “Ambassador” program to build her students' self-confidence, and through this work she forged bonds of friendship that lasted beyond the classroom. Her dear friend Lois remained a constant source of support long after they both retired from teaching.

A woman of warmth and empathy, Diane delighted in music much like her beloved father, and especially enjoyed musicals, and to sing show tunes. Summers on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, with family were among her most treasured times, full of togetherness at her home and the homes of her cherished sisters. She was a proud grandmother to her four grandsons—Mathew, Jamie, Will, and Sean and a loving aunt to her nephews and nieces, Christopher, Kathy, Kevin, Rachel and Dan.

In her later years, Diane had to give up some of her famous independence with the onset of Alzheimer's disease, but she made the most of her assisted living experience, where she enjoyed participating in daily events with her friends. She especially treasured her companionship with Vince, with whom she found happiness and love in her final chapter.

Diane will be remembered for her gregarious personality, her love of family gatherings on the Cape, her deep compassion for animals, and her spirit of commitment to her loved ones. She is survived by her daughters Leila and Dina, her four grandsons, and her sister Susan.