Diane M. Hammond

On Tuesday, June 29, 2021, Diane Hammond of Taunton, MA, beloved sister, aunt, teammate, coach and friend passed away unexpectedly at age 60.

Diane was born on August 1, 1960, in Windsor, VT, to Winston D. and Dorothy E. (Pomeroy) Hammond. She was a Dover (NH) High School graduate and attended Johnson State University (now named Northern Vermont University) in Johnson, VT, where she majored in Physical Education. After college, Diane enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where she served for eight years attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.  She was trained as a Medical Laboratory Specialist, first stationed at Laughlin AFB in TX, then Incirlik Air Base in Turkey, and finally McGuire AFB in NJ. 

Upon honorable discharge from the Air Force, Diane worked as a Correctional Officer for the NH State Prison system, in loss prevention roles for several large retail stores, in manufacturing as well as stints in the food and beverage industry.  

Diane had a passion for sports, as a participant, a coach, and as a spectator (you could say she was obsessed.)  She was given the nickname “Truck” by her teammates because if you collided with her during a game, it was like running into a Mack truck.  She was a huge fan of the New England Patriots, Boston Bruins, and the WNBA.  She played field hockey, basketball, and softball while in high school and added rugby to her resume while at college.  Diane was most proud of being a member of the 1977 Dover High girls’ state championship basketball team. 

She was a voracious fan of the music artist Pink (attending many of her concerts with her sister) and of WNBA star Elena Delle Donne.  After settling in Taunton, MA, she became involved with her community, volunteering at the Old Colony History Museum and serving on the Board of the Downtown Taunton Foundation in the role of Secretary, assisting with their many sponsored downtown events.

Family was extremely important to Diane.  She loved and was so proud of all her nephews and niece.  She was an animal lover, providing a loving home to many dogs and most recently her beautiful cat, Tessie.  She had a special bond with her fur-niece, Kacey, who she cared for the first several days after her adoption.

Diane is survived by her brother David D. Hammond of Dover, NH, her sister Deidre Araujo and husband Luis Araujo of Attleboro, MA, her sister-in-law Natalia Hammond of Rochester, NH, five nephews Ian and Sam Hammond both of Malden, MA, Nathan Hammond of Dover, NH, Jeffery and Hunter Araujo both of Attleboro, MA, niece Maya Araujo of Attleboro, MA, and many beloved relatives.  

Two memorial services will be held, one in Rollinsford, NH and a second in Taunton, MA.

Sunday, July 18th, 2-5pm at the Rollinsford American Legion

Address:  551 Foundry Street, Rollinsford, NH 03869

Tuesday, July 20th, 9-11am at the Trescott Street Gallery

Address:  8 Trescott Street, Taunton, MA 02780 

                 (Parking on street or in parking lot across from gallery)

An immediate-family graveside service and burial at National Cemetery in Bourne, MA is planned.
 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of these charities in honor of Diane’s memory:

Operation Stand Down Rhode Island  https://osdri.charityproud.org/Donate

Jenna M. Pellegrini Memorial Fund http://www.jennapellegrini.org/

Arrangements entrusted to Riendeau-Mulvey Funeral Home, 467 Bay Street, Taunton MA 02780. To leave an online condolence please visit www.r-mfh.com.

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