Diane M. Baxter

Diane M. Baxter, age 79, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully at her home with her family on Friday, April 5, 2024.

Born in Chester, PA on March 29, 1945, she was the daughter of the late Anastasia (Nellie) and Michael J. Petroski, Sr.  Diane graduated from Paulsboro (NJ) High School in 1964 and became a Certified X-Ray Technician, practicing in the Newark, Delaware area until her retirement.

She married Charles W. Baxter of Morton, PA in April 1966 and resided in the Newark area for 54 years.  Her interests included raising cockatiels for show and traveling throughout the USA to bird show competitions.  Volunteerism was a big part of her life, including time spent with Delaware SPCA, Delaware Hospice, Mustang Ford Club, and St. Thomas Episcopal Church.  Above all, Diane cherished her family and loved spending time with her grandchildren, sharing many of her baking secrets and Ukrainian family recipes.

In addition to her parents, Diane was preceded in death by her grandson, Nicholas Charles Schewe.; brothers, Michael J. Petroski, Sr., and Joseph P. Petroski. She is survived by her loving family including her husband, Charles; daughter, Dana Schewe (Daniel) of North East, MD; grandchildren, Emma and Zach Schewe (Kalyn); great-grandson, Nathan; brother, Donald Petroski (Mary) of Medford, NJ; niece, Michelle Ginther Petroski; nephews, Matthew D. Petroski (Kelly) and David T. Petroski (Courtney); many great nephews and nieces; cousins, Judith Kurcik (John), Karen Hansell (Raymond), Paul Richle (Suzanne), and Patricia Sol (Neal).

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 pm until 7 pm on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE. A funeral service will begin at 10:30 am on Friday, April 12, 2024, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 276 South College Avenue, Newark, DE. Interment will follow in North East United Methodist Cemetery, 101 Cemetery Road, North East, MD.