Diane Kean

Diane Powers Kean, 80, resident of Tappahannock, Virginia, passed away on Monday, July 1, 2024. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kevin Kean, her sisters Patricia Welch (William R.), Barbara Tetauer (Vasek); and brother, William Joseph Powers, and her parents William and Dorothy Powers. She was a member of St. Timothy Catholic Church, Tappahannock. She is survived by her son, Brion M. Kean and his wife, Laura; her sisters, Maureen Donoghue (David), Laurie Perkins (Tom), Beth Powers, Suzanne Powers; and brother Michael Frances Powers (Kathy). 

After moving to Virginia, Diane worked as the Registered Dietician for King George Co. Schools. A visionary, she co-wrote the grant that started a pioneering school Mobile Health Unit for medically underserved King George County. This was later expanded to include Westmoreland County and eventually melded into the Mary Washington Hospital system. She left King George when she and her spouse moved to Tappahannock. She retired as a Registered Dietician for the Virginia Department of Education educating and evaluating school nutrition programs from Galax to Tangier.

Diane was a member of the 2008 Northern Neck Master Gardener Intern Class. She was devoted to volunteer work, serving the community on both the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. During her time as a Master Gardener, Diane served as President of the Northern Neck Master Gardeners 2015-2017, served with the Virginia Master Gardener Association, was responsible for initiating, developing, and distributing the quarterly newsletter “The Garden Post”, faithfully assisted with the maintenance of community demonstration gardens, ran plant clinics at numerous Tappahannock Farmers Markets, and participated in countless other Master Gardener activities. Throughout her career as a Master Gardener Diane volunteered 7,307 hours of her time in service to her community. 

Traveling was a passion for her and she literally spanned the globe. Her most recent trip was a ‘bucket list’ item of seeing the tulips in the Netherlands (the home of her ancestors). Diane could put anyone at ease and was always humble. The Governor General of Tasmania, William Cox, was enthralled with her—to the exclusion of everyone else at a reception in 2006.

She never complained when life presented difficult circumstances. She would simply take on the challenge to improve the situation. When her beloved husband, Kevin was nearing the end of his earthly life, she was a constant caregiver to him without any obvious regard for her own fears, worries or fatigue. In fact, when there were minutes of down time, she would likely be researching ways she could possibly do more for him. She was just selfless that way with all those she cared about. 

Diane was an active volunteer for St. Timothy Catholic Church in Tappahannock. She served in the parish office and on multiple committees there, and often served as Lector during Mass. She so enjoyed get-togethers and activities with her friends and family. Diane was loved by the community and church where she lived in Tappahannock.

A memorial service will be held at St. Timothy Catholic Church, Tappahannock, Virginia on Saturday. July 27, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Faulkner Funeral Homes, Marks-Bristow Chapel, Tappahannock is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to St. Timothy Catholic Church, 413 St. Timothy Ln., Tappahannock, VA, 22560, and to the Master Gardner's Northern Neck (NNMG) P.O. Box 62, Heathsville, Virginia, 22473.