Diane Marie Parker

Diane Belair Parker January 1, 1949 – January 27, 2025 Diane Parker passed away peacefully on January 27, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer. If you felt the earthquake that day, that was Mimi saying goodbye. She was born on January 1, 1949, in Franklin, arriving 2.5 months early and proving from the very start that she was a fighter. She grew up enjoying sled dog racing, snowmobiling, and family cookouts with her many cousins. A proud graduate of Tilton-Northfield High School, Class of 1966, her first job was at Woolworth’s, where she was known for sneaking snacks and drinks to her friends. She later moved to Hawaii for two years before returning to New Hampshire, where she worked at IGA before embarking on a career in banking at First Deposit, which later became Providian. She later transitioned to New Hampshire Employment Security before retiring in 2011. In 1977, she married Bob Parker, and in 1982, they welcomed their son, Rob. She was an active and devoted mother, involved in his sports, the PTO, and family adventures, especially to warm destinations in the Caribbean, whether on cruises or at all-inclusive resorts. One of her most cherished trips was traveling to Scotland with her son and sister-in-law. She also had a gift for baking, and every holiday season, her family would eagerly battle over her famous Christmas cookies. After retiring, she joined her husband in becoming a snowbird, spending winters in St. Petersburg, Florida, where she made wonderful friends and shared countless laughs and stories. Diane was a passionate Boston sports fan, cheering on the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox with enthusiasm. Whether celebrating a Super Bowl win or a walk-off home run, she was always proud to support her teams. In 2011, she danced the night away at her son’s wedding to Erin Mansmann at her in-laws’ farm in Maine. Though she was always a devoted grandmother to her beloved fur babies, Izzy and Max, her greatest joy came in 2013 when she became “Mimi” to her granddaughter Reagan, followed by her grandson Nathan in 2015. She adored watching them play sports and was their biggest cheerleader, proudly telling anyone who would listen about Reagan’s soccer skills and how Nathan got an interception just for her. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Bob Parker; her son, Rob, and his wife, Erin, of Granby, CT; her beloved grandchildren, Reagan and Nathan; her sister, Janet; her brother, Jim, and his wife, Ellen; and her brother, Rick, and his wife, Chris. The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Granite VNA for their compassionate care, as well as to Hartford Healthcare Oncology and all the wonderful friends and family who supported her through her journey. Calling hours will be held at Smart Memorial Home, 584 West Main Street, Tilton, NH, on February 7 from 5:00–7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Paul Church of St. Gabriel Parish, 108 School St, Franklin, NH 03235, on February 8 at 10:00 AM. Following the service, a Celebration of Life will be held at American Legion Post 49, 4 Park St, Northfield, NH 03276, at 12:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Granite VNA Hospice House in her memory.

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Diane Marie Parker

January 1, 1949 - January 27, 2025