Diana J. Gill
Diana J. (Coates) Gill, 91, passed away on September 6, 2024. A longtime resident of Noank, CT, she spent her final years living with Alzheimer’s disease, but maintained her gentle spirit, inspiring sense of humor, and enduring care for others.
An artist and an energetic piano player who loved to sing and knew the words to countless songs, Diana could fill a whole house with music, making everyone around her happier with the melodies. She will be remembered for her beautiful seaside garden, but even more for her contagious smile and bright blue eyes, her laughter, and her constant concern for those around her.
Born in Lawrence, MA on May 28, 1933 to George and Irene Coates, she nurtured her connections with friends and family, always with kindness, exuberance, and positive words of encouragement and support. As a student at Brown University (Pembroke College), she majored in Art, launched lifelong friendships, and met her future husband, Robert (Bob) Gill, who pre-deceased her.
Bob and Diana graduated together from Brown in 1954 and married in 1955. After a brief time living in Newport, RI, they moved to Noank, where they spent decades active in their community, building a family, and sharing time with their many close friends.
Diana worked as an ophthalmic assistant, and later served as assistant to the director of the Mystic Art Association (now Mystic Museum of Art), where she was always a friendly, welcoming presence for visitors and artists alike. She channeled her own love of painting and drawing as she organized gallery shows and membership drives.
She was in the choir at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Mystic and an active member of the congregation for many years. She served as a class officer with the Brown University Alumni Association, and was a longtime member of the Ram Island Yacht Club.
She is survived by her daughter, Cathryn Oulighan of Noank and her husband Dave; her son Christopher, of Plano, TX and his wife Cynthia; her son Robert of Coral Gables, FL and his wife Christine; and seven grandchildren.
Diana’s family would like to thank the staff at Academy Point in Mystic for their care over many years.
A private graveside service will be held in Noank in October.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at
act.alz.org/goto/DianaJGill.