Diane (Tetreault) St. Amand

Longtime Ludlow resident Diane St. Amand, who for over three decades owned and operated Diane and Company, one of the most beloved hair salons in the Palmer area, passed away on Tuesday, surrounded by her loving family. She was 82 years old. Born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, on September 18, 1942, Diane was the daughter of the late Pete and Anita Tetrault. She was preceded in death by her husband, J. Roger St. Amand, with whom she shared 38 years of marriage, on January 19, 2023.

Diane was an only child, and while she often expressed a wish for siblings, being an only child helped shape her into a social, outgoing person who genuinely enjoyed the company of others. She loved chatting with friends and family over coffee, traveling the world, and being an active member of both the Palmer and Ludlow Senior Centers.

Elegantly stylish, Diane took after her mother and grandmother. She was known for her impeccable sense of fashion, always accessorizing with shoes and jewelry that perfectly complemented her outfits. A lifelong stylist, Diane’s hair and makeup were always flawless, and she never missed an opportunity to make herself and others look their best.

Diane’s passion for beauty and self-care led her to the hair industry, where she began her career as a stylist in 1977. In 1985, she opened Diane and Company on Bridge Street in Three Rivers, later moving the business in 1995 to a new space on North Main Street in Palmer. The salon became a gathering place for clients and friends, where they could try new hairstyles, prepare for special events, and enjoy friendly conversation over coffee and doughnuts. Her family often hung out there after work and school, creating a welcoming and homey atmosphere that was beloved by all.
Diane was a devoted mother to her children: Mark Bisnette (Sue), Lorraine Diane Dziedzic (John) of Three Rivers, MA, James Bisnette (Linda) of Wilbraham, MA, and stepmother to Michelle St. Amand Gunschel of Mattapoisett, MA. She cherished her role as a mother, often saying, “It was easy, even during challenging moments,” and that she “loved every minute of it.”

She is also remembered fondly by her grandchildren: Jason Bisnette (Stacey) of Lenox, MI, Erin Dziedzic (David) of Athens, NY, Robin Dziedzic (Bridget) of Bellingham, MA, Stephanie Bisnette of Wilbraham, MA, and Jaymison, Keegan, and Lillian Gunschel of Mattapoisett, MA. Diane adored her grandchildren, and each one has special memories of sleepovers, shopping trips, and the loving time she spent with them.

She also treasured her time with her great-grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Cameron, and Noelle.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, January 24, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home, 64 Sewall St., Ludlow, MA. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Elizabeth’s Parish, Hubbard St., Ludlow, MA. Please meet directly at the church. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Diane’s memory to Dakin Humane Society, 171 Union Street, Springfield, MA 01105, or to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.