Diane F. Barrett

Diane “HoneyBear” Fae Barrett (Steward), age 81 of Appleton, WI passed away no December 10, 2025. She was born to Raymond and Laura (Winterfeldt) Steward on February 26, 1944 in Appleton, WI. After graduating from Appleton (West) High School, she worked several jobs, learning a little bit of everything, including nursing and cooking, but was best known for and proudest of her time as a full-time homemaker and mother. She married the love of her life, James Barrett, and together, they raised two children.

If anything could be said about Diane, it was that she was a helper. She always looked out for the needs of others and did what she could to help whoever needed her help. She had a glowing personality that attracted many to her warmth and love. Diane stayed positive through everything and always looked on the bright side of life. In her free time, she had many hobbies, but none more interesting than her Wisconsin fur trade reenactments. More than anything, though, Diane loved her family and cherished every moment she could spend with her husband, kids, and grandkids. She was so proud of everyone she helped to raise.

Diane will be missed by her husband, James; her children, Jacque “Jay” and Deanne “Deedee”; her grandchildren, Antony, Danielle, and Dennis (Amber); her great-grandson, Azreal; her sisters, Audrey and Eloise; as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended relatives, and dear friends.

Diane is preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Laura; her granddaughter, Carol Ann; her siblings, Douglas, Ronald, Lyle (Gladys), Roger, and Elsa; and her brothers-in-law, Quentin and Norman.

A memorial visitation will be held for Diane from 1-3 PM on Friday, January 9, 2026 at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St, Appleton, WI 54911 with a memorial service to follow at 3 PM. If you would like to send flowers, yellow roses and wildflowers were her favorites, otherwise a memorial fund is also being established.

Diane’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the visiting nurses at ThedaCare who checked on Diane frequently to keep her happy and healthy during her times of need.