Diane B. (Bassett) Bertine

Diane Beverly (Bassett) Bertine, 83, dedicated mother, grandmother, career-woman, avid gardener, reader, painting enthusiast, and passionate New Jersey Devil's fan, passed away from complications of dementia on June 17, 2024 in the Catskills of Upstate New York, where she resided for the past four years under the caregiving of her devoted son, Pete Bertine, Jr.

Born in Bloomfield, NJ in 1941 to Victor and Adrienne Bassett, Dee-as she was affectionately known-was a state champion in swimming and excelled academically. She attended Montclair College High School, Bucknell University, and received her Master's Degree in communications from Syracuse University, where she met a fellow grad student, Peter Bertine, studying at SU college of law. They married in 1965 and moved to Bronxville, NY where they raised their children Pete, Jr and Kathryn. Dee also loved the Adirondack Mountains, where her family spent summers in Old Forge, NY.

Between shuttling kids to sports practices, Dee started her own business, Diane Bertine Interiors, in the early 1980s. She successfully decorated many homes and businesses in New York, New Jersey, Texas, Oklahoma and Florida. With her keen eye for elegance and beauty, Dee also served on the Beautify Bronxville Committee which created Bicentennial Park. She also lobbied to block the installation of sodium vapor lights from the streets of her beloved village. Dee was not afraid to use her voice, speak her mind and stand up for what she believed.

Dee and Peter spent 55 years together until Peter's passing in 2020. Diagnosed with dementia shortly afterward, Dee moved to Germantown, NY to reside with Pete Jr who served as her primary caregiver for the next four years. His exceptional care and compassion extended Dee's life far beyond the norm for advanced dementia. In addition, Livingston Hills Nursing and Rehabilitation Center also played a crucial role in Dee's final journey. So too did comedian Doug Stanhope, who looked after Dee during the summer of 2019. The Bertine family is forever thankful for all aforementioned members of Team Dee Bertine.

Dee is survived by her children, Pete Jr and Kathryn, her grandson Alex, 16, and Alex's mom, Kasia, and many friends in her communities of Bronxville, NY, Old Forge, NY and Montclair, NJ.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held at Bicentennial Park in Bronxville, NY(Pondfield Rd & Meadow Ave) on Monday July 1 at 2pm, open to all who knew and loved Diane Bertine.