WILMINGTON — Diane Davis McGoun, born July 21, 1958, passed peacefully but unexpectedly on August 25, 2025, at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Center, surrounded by her children and her mother.
Born in Claremont, NH, Diane graduated from Stevens High School and went on to build a life defined by independence, resilience, and deep love for her family. A self-taught woman, she approached life with curiosity, determination, and courage, carving her own path, truly making her own way, and constantly re-inventing herself through personal growth.
Professionally, Diane was a dynamic and accomplished leader. She owned and operated several NutriSystem franchises, later built a successful career in real estate in western North Carolina, and for the past 20 years served as Vice President of Operations at Diet Direct. She was deeply admired by her team, who will miss her leadership, guidance, and compassion endlessly.
Diane called Wilmington, NC home for many years before purchasing her marsh front home on Virginia Creek in Hampstead to help her youngest daughter with her beloved newborn. She took great pride in renovating that home into a place of beauty, prosperity, and peace, a sanctuary she built for her family to enjoy for years to come.
She was also a deeply spiritual being. Diane believed it was incredibly important to have a deep connection with God and to live with purpose, leading with love, and finding meaning in every season of life. She listened with intent, always offering presence and understanding to those around her. One of the guiding truths she often shared was to ask yourself, “Do you want to be right, or do you want to be happy?” — a reflection of her deep desire to live a peaceful life and encourage others to do the same.
She taught with grace, inspired those around her to live with grace, and encouraged all who knew her to embrace forgiveness and compassion. Her biggest wish for those closest to her was to live to their fullest potential, not to leave this earth with their music still in them. Even in her final illness, she chose to keep her recurrence of cancer private, not wanting to cast doubt on the hope she had inspired during her first battle.
She loved her friends deeply, cherished playing mahjong, and treasured going “home” to her large extended family in New England. Summers in York, Maine were among her happiest times, filled with family, laughter, and building memories she adored. She also cherished childhood visits to family in Quebec, which kept her connected to her French roots and loving family circle.
In her most recent years, Diane embraced her lifelong desire to see the world. She traveled to India, Italy, Greece, Spain, Amsterdam, Germany, and Ireland, immersing herself in new cultures and experiences. While in India, her journey was not only one of discovery but also of service, as she spent time visiting and working in orphanages through a music ministry. She felt strongly that life should be lived beyond the walls of one’s own country and encouraged others to broaden their horizons and embrace the beauty of the world.
Diane will be forever cherished by her children Jennifer Taylor (and son-in-law Charles), Jeffrey Porter (and daughter-in-law Margery), and Jaclyn Simoneau (and son-in-law Zac); her stepchildren Jennie Hughes and John McGoun; and by her beloved grandchildren Charles Taylor III, Caroline Taylor, Jules Porter, and Claire Laken Simoneau, along with step-grandchildren Emory, Bettner, and Sonnie. She had extreme pride in her children and, in her final year, was able to witness two of her oldest children open their own businesses — a joy that filled her with immense pride, knowing they were fulfilling their dreams.
To her grandchildren, she was lovingly known as Grandmum — a role she embraced with boundless joy, devotion, and pride.
Diane was the oldest of four children. She is survived by her adoring mother, Claire Marie Dole; and her beloved sisters Marie Desfosses and Carol Kanto and doting brother-in-laws (Ken Desfosses & Richard Kanto.) She also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, Edwin Roland Davis; her stepfather, Bob Dole; her brother, Robert “Bobby” Davis; and her grandparents, Flore Marie and Romeo Joseph Lemieux.
She also leaves behind her beloved dog, Gigi, who was her constant companion.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30am on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Kenan Chapel in Wilmington, NC. A reception will follow. All who knew and loved her are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Diane’s honor to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Center.
Her strength, her love, her compassion, and her adventurous spiritual spirit will continue to inspire all those who were fortunate to know her.
