Diane R. Westman Obituary
Diane Ruth Westman (nee Wolfe), 92, of Rockport, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at Seacoast Nursing and Rehabilitation Center surrounded by family and friends on March 27, 2026, in Gloucester, Massachusetts.
Born in Chicago, she was the daughter of the late Hubert Wilder Wolfe and Ruth Violet Wolfe (nee Sebastian). She attended Beloit College in Wisconsin where she earned a BA in Sociology. Diane remained closely connected to her classmates, helping to organize reunions well into her later years.
As a resident of Naperville, Illinois for many years, she was well known for her volunteering. As a young mother, she and other parents founded Hobson School, a nursery school in town that continues to provide care for area children.
In 1970 Diane's family re-located to Rockport, Massachusetts where she continued volunteering. She was deeply devoted to serving others with the Rockport Congregational Church, regularly contributing to events such as the annual Old Sloop Fair. She expressed her faith through hands-on service and care for her community.
She raised her three children in Rockport, where days at Sandy Bay Yacht Club became lasting family memories. Diane's love for the town of Rockport and its people was central to her life. She served on the town's Planning Board and volunteered at events held at the Rockport Art Association and the Shalin Liu Center.
Her connection to the arts was especially meaningful. Employed by Rockport Reproductions, she helped make local art accessible on a national level. She formed strong relationships with several Cape Ann artists, developing a deep appreciation for their work.
Diane also was a long-term resident of Northampton, Massachusetts. She moved there from her beloved Rockport in order to help care for and raise her granddaughter. She served as a Deacon for Edwards Church and was employed as a Museum Guard at the Smith College Museum of Art.
Diane had a deep love of animals, fine art and the ocean. While she lived in Rockport, she took long walks through town, visiting with her many acquaintances and friends. One couldn't take a walk with Diane down Bearskin Neck without her stopping to talk to someone she knew. She knew everyone, and everyone knew her. Diane was well read, warm, and naturally social, with a wonderful sense of humor. Diane loved to laugh. She was a great sport and could always take a joke. Making her laugh was her children' s greatest joy and something they will miss most of all.
Diane is survived by her children, Jennifer Street Hakkarainen and her husband, Adam Hakkarainen of Exeter, New Hampshire; Julie Wilder Westman and her partner Edward O'Connor, of Boston, Massachusetts; Frederick Penn Westman, Jr. (Fritz) of Doylestown, Pennsylvania; her granddaughter, Lily Wilder Hayes (nee Hakkarainen) and her husband Thomas Hayes of Derry, New Hampshire.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday April 11, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.at the Rockport Art Association, 12 Main Street, Rockport, Massachusetts. Light Refreshments will be provided.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Cape Ann Animal Aid Association, 4 Paws Lane, Gloucester, MA 01930 and or the Rockport Art Association, 12 Main Street, Rockport, MA 01966.Arrangements by Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA 01930.
