Diane Wilcox

Diane (Burnham) Wilcox, 89, of Glastonbury and West Hartford, CT, passed away peacefully on July 14th, 2025. Diane was born on July 11th, 1936 in Brooklyn, NY. She was the daughter of Arthur and Mabel Burnham, and grew up on Long Island, NY.

Driven and fiercely independent, Diane was a first-generation college graduate from the University of Connecticut in 1957. She enjoyed a fulfilling career as a Speech and Language Pathologist within the Newington School System for many years. She had an extraordinary knack for the English language, grammar, and diction. She found her academic career incredibly rewarding. She adored her home in West Hartford, and in her retirement could often be found amongst the trees or garden beds planting something new, and volunteering at the Asylum Hill Congregational Thrift Shop. She enjoyed hosting family and friends for holidays and special occasions. Through this, she created family traditions for years to come.

Diane was immensely proud of her family heritage and deeply interested in genealogy. She was a member of the DAR and the Founders of Hartford. Her ancestor, Michael Burnham, was the original owner and editor of the New York Daily News. Additionally, several of her ancestors were founders of East Windsor, CT.

Diane was a loving parent, grandparent, great grandparent, and a dear friend to many. She was predeceased by one brother, Major Richard A. Burnham of Colorado, and her former friend and husband, Leland D. Wilcox, Jr. of New Hampshire.

Diane is survived by her children, Leland D. Wilcox III (Joanie) of Mystic, CT; Leslie Briggs (Mark) of Glastonbury, CT; and Leslie Wilcox of Millerton, NY; her grandchildren, Parker Wilcox (Carey) of Wilton, CT; Leland Wilcox IV of Colchester, CT; Austin Briggs of Glastonbury, CT; and Abigail Briggs of Northampton, MA; and her two great grandchildren, Leland Wilcox V & Grayson Wilcox of Colchester, CT. She is also survived by lifelong friend, Dr. Charles Gunderson & his family in Florida.

Diane was a longtime member of Asylum Hill Congregational Church in Hartford. A private family service will be held on a later date. The family would like to thank caregivers Vivian and Agnes, as well as the kind staff at UConn John Dempsey Hospital for their commitment and compassion.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Doctors Without Borders or deathwithdignity.org.