Easthampton, MA – Diana Lee Parks was born on March 9, 1947, in Sandwich, Illinois, to Robert L. and Bernardine M. (McGarry) Parks. She grew up on a farm, where she developed a strong work ethic, compassion for others, and a lifelong sense of responsibility and care-qualities that would define both her life and her career.
Following in the footsteps of her mother, Diana chose a career in nursing. A graduate of Shabbona High School, she earned her certification as an RN at Rockford Memorial School of Nursing and a BSN at Northern Illinois University. She began her professional career at DeKalb Public Hospital as an emergency room nurse before earning her MSN at Boston College. While working as a nurse practitioner at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, she met her future husband, Benjamin C. Forbes, who was working as a translator. The two were married in April of 1980 and welcomed two daughters, Sarah Channing in 1981 and Anna Murray in 1983.
Known professionally as Diana Parks Forbes, Diana went on to specialize in women’s health, dedicating most of her career to Harvard Vanguard. She was widely respected for her clinical excellence, earning awards and recognition for her work, presenting at conferences and meetings with a goal of raising awareness and furthering the training of colleagues in her specialty. Her dedication to her work was exemplified by the many years of work she contributed as one of the four original authors of the diagnostic algorithm and website known as vulvovaginaldisorders.org. Later in her career, Diana reduced her schedule to part-time and relocated to SHE Medical in Enfield, Connecticut. Many of her patients followed her from Boston, reflecting the deep trust and gratitude they felt for her care. She continued to see patients until her cancer diagnosis in late fall of 2025. The many cards and messages she received from patients speak volumes about the profound impact she had on countless lives.
Outside of her profession, Diana found joy in horseback riding, sewing and quilting, and had a keen interest in fashion. She approached her hobbies with the same creativity and care that she brought to every aspect of her life.
Diana is survived by her daughters, Sarah Forbes (Troy White), Charlemont, Massachusetts, and Anna Forbes, Tequesta, Florida; her former spouse, Ben Forbes, Florence, Massachusetts; her siblings Larry Parks, Indian Head Park, Illinois; Bryan Parks, Lake City, Michigan; and Robin Fisch (Elwyn), Milledgeville, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews. She will be remembered for her dedication, intelligence, warmth, and the lasting difference she made in the lives of her patients, family, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Bernardine, and one brother, Stewart Parks.
Diana passed on December 20, 2025. Her legacy lives on in the people she helped, taught, and loved.
A celebration of life in her honor will be held in the spring of 2026.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Kostanski Funeral Home. For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.
Click here to sign the guest book or honor their memory with flowers, donations, or other heartfelt tributes