KNOX — Diane Mary Champion, a tax auditor, was committed to her community as well as her family.

She died on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, at the age of 76.

She was born on Oct. 5, 1948 in Troy to Aubrey F. Primeau and Beatrice Teal Primeau of Averill Park.

“She attended Averill Park schools and Albany Business College where she was the yearbook editor,”her family wrote in a tribute. “Upon graduation, she began her working career with National Commercial Bank as a wire transfer clerk.

“There she met her future husband, Donald Champion, when he cashed her a check for her, and found a home with him in Knox. 

“In 1976, she began her 31-year career with New York State Department of Tax and Finance as a tax auditor. While with Tax and Finance, she served as a Public Employees Federation union rep and was a delegate to their union conventions for 25 years.

“After her retirement, Diane ran for and was elected to the office of tax collector for the town of Knox for four terms.

“Her commitment to her community extended to the Knox Volunteer Fire Company's Ladies Auxiliary where she was a member for 50 years, serving as treasurer for 40 of those years. Diane was also a member of the Albany County Firemen's Association and American Legion Post 977 Auxiliary. 

“Diane’s hobbies were many and her passion for sharing them with her loved ones were an extension of her heart.

“Diane was an avid stock car fan, visiting Fonda Speedway weekly to support her favorite drivers. She also enjoyed playing golf (even having scored a hole in one) with her league of gal pals; watching the New York Yankees on TV and traveling to spring training games in Tampa, Florida to cheer them on; cruising in the Caribbean and East Coast; and most of all, crocheting for friends and family, and selling her handmade items at craft fairs. 

“Family meant more to Diane than anything.”

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Diane is survived by her husband of 53 years, Donald A. Champion; a daughter, Beth E. (Peter) LaValle of Saugerties; a daughter-in-law, Jennifer Champion of Clifton Park; and two granddaughters, Reagan Champion and Vivian LaValle.

“For Diane, becoming a grandmother was an unmatched joy,” her family wrote.

Diane is also survived by her siblings, Sylvia Cocca of Wynantskill, Roberta Gentner of East Schodack, Raymond (Terri) Primeau of Averill Park, Mark (Kathleen) Primeau of Berlin, Susan (Michael) TenEyck of West Sand Lake, David (Linda) Primeau of Poestenkill, and Timothy (Georgianna) Primeau of Averill Park.

She is also survived by her brothers-in-law Ronald (Cathleen) Champion and Robert (Diana) Caputo, both of The Villages, Florida; her sister-in-law, Alma Hill of Poughkeepsie New York; dear friends Nora Connor (Robert) of Ellenton, Florida, and Donna Lyons of Knox, and many beloved nieces and nephews. 

Her son, Craig A. Champion, died before her, as did her parents, Aubrey and Beatrice Primeau; two infant sisters, Candace Primeau and Janice Primeau; four sisters-in-law; and six brothers-in-law. 

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 13, from 3 to 8 p.m at St. Lucy/St, Bernadette's Roman Catholic Church at 122 Grand St. in Altamont.

A Mass of Resurrection will be held at St. Lucy/St. Bernadette's Roman Catholic Church on Thursday, Nov. 24, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be in Knox Cemetery.

Members of the Knox Fire Company and Auxiliary, the Albany County Volunteer Firemen’s Association, American Legion Post 977 and Auxiliary are requested to meet at the church for services at 7:30 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Leatherstocking Honor Flight, Box 621, Cobleskill, NY 12043; the Rock Road Chapel Food Pantry, 96 Rock Road, Berne, NY 12023; or the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knox Volunteer Fire Company, Box 15, Knox, NY 12107.