Diane G. Adams

Diane Gertrude Adams, of Manchester NH and long-time 1st grade teacher in Bedford NH died March 29, 2023, from complications due to a fall at home. Family and friends were by her side.

Born March 28, 1942, Diane was the daughter of Julia Piotrowski Adams and Clarence “Red” Adams.  As a child she attended Manchester Catholic schools, graduating from Mount Saint Mary’s Academy in Hooksett, NH.  Her kindness, humor, and fun-loving spirit were evident in her childhood and throughout her life, endearing her to many friends. Diane was often called the life of the party.  Volunteering as a Candy Striper in her youth, Diane hoped to become a nurse.  A grateful community of children and parents are glad she changed her mind and became a teacher. To many, she was teacher extraordinaire.  She instilled in her students a love of reading and a joy of learning.

Diane’s early teaching career was in the north country of New Hampshire. She always had a special fondness for the mountains and the down to earth people she met in small towns there. Diane loved to joke about her Irish and Polish heritage, and no one loved a good turkey dinner more than Diane. Her neighbors thought of and treated her like a special aunt.  Diane generously offered help to anyone and gave her best advice to friends.  Those friends lovingly gave her an embroidery with the words, “I think everyone is entitled to my opinion.”

Her long teaching career spanned over 40 years. In her retirement, Diane continued to nurture her young nieces and nephews with their learning while modeling the value of happy times spent together. She was blessed with an indomitable spirit that helped her, even through life’s usual ups and downs, to return to a place of gratitude and joy she shared with others. Family, friends, and entire school communities benefited from that spirit.

Diane is survived by her brother James, (Jim), as well as nephews Matthew (Kara) Adams of Concord NH, and Jonathan Adams of Concord NH, nieces Melissa (Rob) Collins of Wilton NH, and Kim (John) Currie of Dunedin, FL. Great nieces and nephews are Sophia and Lauren Adams, and Joshua Adams, Ian and Jaice Currie, and Tye and Colby Collins. Diane leaves behind several cousins and many dear friends.  She was predeceased by her parents and her brother David.

SERVICES: Visiting hours are 4:00 to 6:00 Monday April 10, at the Lambert Funeral Home, 1799 Elm Street, Manchester NH.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, April 11 at 10:00 at Blessed Sacrament Parish, 14 Elm St. Manchester NH.  Committal will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery, 448 Donald St., Bedford.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local library, the Boys and Girls Club of Manchester NH 03104, or a charity of your choice.