Diane L. Robinson, daughter of Alfred H. Hildebrandt and Dorothy B. Hildebrandt, Age 73, of North Ft. Myers, FL, and a long-time resident of Londonderry, NH passed away December 15, 2015 at Prescott House Nursing Center, N. Andover after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Diane was predeceased by her husband, Anthony Robinson, Jr., her brother, Robert L. Hildebrandt and her father, Alfred H. Hildebrandt.
She is survived by her mother, Dorothy B. Hildebrandt of Methuen, MA, her sons, Bruce M. Robinson of Goffstown, NH, and Thomas M. Robinson of Mayer, AZ, her sister, Joyce A. Crawford of Greenfield, MA, and her brother, Andrew W. Hildebrandt and his wife, Linda T. Hildebrandt of Methuen, MA, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Diane was born, raised and educated in Lawrence, graduating from Lawrence High School in 1960. After graduation, she married the love of her life, Tony. They worked hard together to forge a good life and eventually settled in Londonderry, where they raised their sons, Bruce and Tom, living there happily until Tony’s untimely passing in 1989.
Diane worked in several capacities in local banks until, in partnership with her mother, she grew her hobby of working in leaded glass into a successful retail business, Diane’s Designs in Glass. Working from her carriage house studio, they created beautiful sun-catchers, Tiffany-style lamps, and stained glass panels. They were juried members of the Rockingham County Craft Guild, displaying their creations at many craft shows throughout the area, as well as mentoring newcomers to the craft in Di’s studio.
Throughout, Diane was always fiercely devoted to her family, shepherding her sons through a stormy adolescence to graduation from Londonderry High and beyond. The eldest child of four, she was a rock supporting her younger siblings, and became the center of all family activities after her parents retired to Florida.
A bright and lively personality – someone who could enter a roomful of strangers, and leave a roomful of friends - her warmth and genuine love of people earned her many close and lasting friendships. And whether on the job, on the beach or on the dance floor, she was always in the thick of the action.
After Tony’s passing, Diane moved to Buccaneer Mobile Estates in North Fort Myers, FL to be near to her retired parents She spent many active, happy years there with her dog, Bama, her parents, and, of course, many new friends, until she developed early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in her early 60s.
She spent the last several years under professional care, first in an assisted living facility in Ft. Myers, and then at the Homestead Unit at Prescott House in N. Andover. She remained there until her passing, and we cannot say enough about the excellent physical and emotional care the staff provided for her from the moment she arrived to the very end. We will be forever grateful.
A memorial service celebrating Diane’s life will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, May 21st, at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence St., Methuen, MA
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to the American Alzheimer’s Association or the Homestead Unit at Prescott House Nursing Center.
For directions or to send a condolence to the family, please visit www.pollardfuneralhome.com.