Diane Newman

Susan “Diane” Hammond Newman

August 7, 1957 – April 19, 2026

Susan “Diane” Hammond Newman, 68, passed away unexpectedly on April 19, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. A resident of Little River, South Carolina, Diane built a life filled with purpose, service, creativity, and deep faith.

Born in Cheverly, Maryland, to Jo Ann Young Hammond and Bobie Dean Hammond, both of whom preceded her in death, Diane grew up in a large, close-knit family. She is survived by her husband Larry Newman, her four daughters Shannon, Kathleen, Kimberly, and Megan, her sister, Alice Fleece, and her brothers Mike, Kenny, Christopher, and Timothy Hammond.

Diane proudly served in the United States Navy, a chapter of her life that shaped her lifelong commitment to honoring and supporting veterans. She was a master quilter, she created countless Quilts of Valor and was actively involved in veterans’ affairs, always finding ways to give back to those who served.

A woman of remarkable strength and resilience, Diane raised four children on her own, Shannon Flaherty and husband Jack of Yantic, CT; Kathleen McSparran and partner Timothy Barczak of Waterford, CT; Kimberly Desaulniers and husband Mike of Windham, CT; and Megan Beason and husband Michael of Bellevue NE. She poured her heart into motherhood, and her children carry her grit, humor, and compassion forward.

Her greatest joy was her growing family. She leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Cassandra Flaherty, Hailey Desaulniers, Colin Beason, Ayden Flaherty, Ainsley Beason, Ziva Desaulniers, Amy Desaulniers, Logan Beason, and Lincoln Beason, each one a source of pride, laughter, and light.

Seven years ago, Diane met the love of her life, Larry Newman, who brought her profound happiness, companionship, and peace. Together they built a beautiful life near the ocean in South Carolina, a dream she had long held. Their home was filled with warmth, laughter, and the steady comfort of shared love.

Diane was endlessly creative, a gifted seamstress, an avid gardener, and an incredible crafter whose hands were always busy making something beautiful. She was social, spirited, and deeply rooted in her Christian faith. She had a rare ability to make others feel seen, supported, and cared for. If someone needed help, she showed up, without hesitation, without judgment, and always with love.

Her strength was quiet but unmistakable. Her generosity was boundless. Her legacy is one of service, devotion, creativity, and unwavering love for her family.

Diane will be profoundly missed and forever cherished by all who were blessed to know her.