SPOA Pays Tribute to Diane Arenella, 1938-2025

We were saddened to learn of the passing of Diane Arenella, who served for many years on the Small Property Owners Association (SPOA) board of directors. Diane was generous and thoughtful, while lifting others with her humor.

A graduate of New York's Nottingham High School in 1956, Diane earned degrees in biology, chemistry, and education from Russell Sage College in 1960. She then worked at Boston University Medical School as a research assistant in neurology from 1960 to 1967. During this time, Diane admired the architecture of Boston's South End neighborhood during her drives to work, prompting her to purchase a house there in 1966. 

Diane went on to work as a broker in the 1970s for Betty Gibson, who would later found Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty. While raising her own family and living in West Newton, Diane would eventually return to the South End, which she always held in high esteem.

Besides real estate investment, Diane contributed to her community in other ways. She served on the advisory board of the Cambridge Greek Institute, celebrating Greek culture, language, and achievement. She also served as a board member and fundraiser for The Children’s Art Centre, which was the first public fine arts museum designed for children. Moreover, Diane was an early member of the South End Neighborhood Association, in addition to a SPOA board member.

Diane's other passion was traveling, as she visited Nepal, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Greece, Italy, and Turkey among other countries. We will miss her warmth, her grace, and her wisdom. Diane and her family remain in our thoughts, as we celebrate her life and legacy.

by Amir Shahsavari