Amherst, MA – Diane Chajes, 91, of Amherst, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026, in Amherst. She was born on September 10, 1934, in the Bronx, NY, and was raised in the Bronx and Brooklyn, New York.
Diane married her husband, Alex Chajes, in 1954 in New York City. They moved to Amherst in 1963 with their two young children, Susan and Michael, when Alex joined the faculty of the University of Massachusetts. Diane and Alex were among the founders of the Jewish Community of Amherst in the 1960s. They were married for 57 years.
Diane devoted her life to caring for others. She was a dedicated homemaker but found time for other pursuits as well. Diane took pride in her many years of service as principal of the JCA Sunday School. She enjoyed sharing the love of her religion and its customs, and her efforts touched the lives of hundreds of young students. She also worked as a teacher’s aide in the Amherst elementary schools.
She was a gifted and enthusiastic cook and frequently hosted Alex’s international graduate students for home-cooked meals. She also volunteered with Round the World Women, an organization that welcomes and provides a social network for international women.
Diane was a skilled knitter and enjoyed creating hats, scarves, and sweaters for family members and friends. She also enjoyed walking, swimming, and reading, and she spent many summer vacations on Cape Cod and at China Lake in Maine. Travel brought her great joy, especially trips to Europe with Alex. A devoted animal lover, Diane had many beloved cats over the years, including two named Cocoa, as well as OJ, Ariel, Miko, Akiko, and Sunni.
Diane was preceded in death by her husband, Alex Chajes, and her son-in-law, Keith Wofford. She is survived by her daughter, Susan; her son, Michael, and his wife, Beth; her grandchildren, Joseph, Johanna, and Daniel; and her siblings Moishe Friederwitzer and Suri Blank.
Those who knew Diane will remember her as a deeply caring person-someone who was always ready to help, to listen, and to make others feel at home. A private family celebration of life is planned.
To submit a condolence to the family, kindly visit www.douglassfuneral.com
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