Diane Elizabeth Woods

Diane Woods, 85, died on Christmas night, December 25, 2022, at Riverwoods Continuing Care Retirement Community, in Exeter, New Hampshire. She was born on November 19, 1937 in Syracuse, New York, the daughter of Wadleigh and Nadine (Tarbell) Woods.

Diane attended Northfield-Mount Hermon school in Massachusetts. She graduated in 1959 from the University of New Hampshire in psychology and received a Masters of Arts degree from Michigan State University. Diane was a counselor and supervisor with the New York State Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and a project coordinator at Columbia Teachers’ College. She became a project director with the World Rehabilitation Fund in New York City and later at the University of New Hampshire.

In 1998, Diane welcomed eleven-year-old foster daughter Cindy Smith into her home in Durham. Cindy recalls how Diane appreciated a cup of black coffee while looking out at nature in the morning and how Diane saw beauty in the simplest things. Diane and Cindy were members of South Church-Unitarian-Universalist in Portsmouth. They travelled annually to Ferry Beach Retreat Center in Maine, which Cindy remembers as their special summer spot.

A steward of the land, Diane held leadership roles and participated in several Seacoast NH environmental organizations including Green Sanctuary at South Church, the Northeast Earth Institute, Seacoast Eat Local and Southeast Land Trust. She was a UNH Marine Docent. A supporter of the arts, Diane was a board member and long-time supporter of Pontine Theatre in Portsmouth and of the Waysmeet Center in Durham. She was also a supporter of the NHSPCA in Stratham.

Diane counted at least 26 countries she had traveled to on five continents. She cherished her many trips with close friends. Diane was a passionate reader and excelled at word games, such as Upwords and Bananagrams. At Riverwoods, Diane was a member of Poetry Readers and participated in collective editing of the literary journal Riverwords. She co-curated displays of residents’ artistic and cultural collections, and was a book club member. She loved celebrating birthdays with the members of her Birthday Group. In her quiet time, Diane was most content sipping wine and reading a good book on the porch of a summer cottage.

Diane had a keen and curious mind enjoying conversations with friends and family around a wide range of topics. She was a champion of fun, splashing in the cold Atlantic surf or practicing authentic movement, a form of moving meditation. An only child, Diane created her own family of loving friends. She was a weaver of community, bringing together people, including those from around the world, who otherwise would not have had the pleasure of knowing one another.

Diane is survived by her foster daughter, Cindy L. Smith, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, by many close friends and extended family members, and by her beloved pets Baxter and Chloe.

SERVICES: A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, January 28, 2023, at South Church-Unitarian-Universalist, 292 State St., Portsmouth, NH 03801, with Rev. Ellen Quaadgras officiating. Family and friends are invited to attend. Burial will be in the spring at Newington Cemetery, Newington, New Hampshire.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a memorial contribution to South Church-Unitarian-Universalist, the Southeast Land Trust, the UNH Foundation Gift Program, or to any of the organizations mentioned in this tribute.