Diane D. Wilson

GROVELAND – Diane D. Wilson, 80, resident of Groveland MA, died on April 7 peacefully after a long battle with dementia.

She was born on June 14, 1943, daughter of Howard and Beverly Dutton, in Randolph, Vermont.

Diane spent most of her younger days in Haverhill, MA, growing up at the family home located at the Haverhill Airport where Howard operated the Dutton Flying Service. As a girl, her adventurous side was in full display as she attained her pilot’s license at the age of 17 and completed her first solo. She had the best of teachers as her father Howard was the 1941 US Aerobatics champion.

It is at the airport where she met her husband of 59 years, Ronald Wilson, who rented space in one of the hangers to work on his automobiles. A few years after marrying, Di and Ron settled in Groveland on King Street and at Whitestone Village. 

She was a woman of many interests. Her adventurous side showed again when waterskiing as a youngster and later while skiing and mountain climbing (including the Alps on one of her favorite trips). Other pursuits included bowling, gardening, knitting, and sharing Ron’s love of cars (in her case it was convertibles).

Di’s penchant for wanting to help others led her to nursing school at the Burbank hospital in Fitchburg, MA. Upon graduating as an LPN, she began her career at Mass General scrubbing in for open heart surgeries.  She then settled into her career at the old Haverhill Municipal “Hale” Hospital. She served faithfully in various roles for over 40 years including nurse manager and case manager. As an example of her hard work and dedication, while working full time and raising a family, Diane attained her bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1989 from Bradford College after years of part time classwork.

Later in life, Diane became “Mimi” to her beloved grandchildren, David and Catherine. She absolutely beamed any time she was with the kids. She and “Grampy” were thrilled to host the kids at their house on King Street, in the summer when the pool was open. She enjoyed the various family trips to Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard and never hesitated to join in the action with the grandkids whether riding the big slides, swimming in the waves or cruising in the go-karts. She and Grampy were also regular attendees at sporting events, recitals, and other kid’s activities.  

Surviving members of her family include her daughter Elizabeth Wilson of Groveland, MA; her son Dave Wilson and his wife Annie (Olsen) Wilson of Groveland, MA. She also leaves cherished grandchildren, David, Jr and Catherine Wilson. She is also survived by her loving brother David Dutton and his wife Marilyn, of Merrimac, MA and her brother-in-law, Frank Wilson, and his wife Janice Wilson. Diane was known as “Auntie Di” to many nieces and nephews.

Diane is predeceased by her loving husband Ronald Wilson, her brother Donald, as well as parents, Howard and Beverly (Hodgkins) Dutton.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 13, in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 S. Main Street, Haverhill from 9:00 to 11:00 AM. Services will begin at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in Linwood Cemetery, Haverhill. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Diane’s memory to the High Pointe Hospice House, 360 North Avenue, Haverhill, MA 01830. For guestbook, visit www.driscollcares.com

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