Dianne Lynn Smith

Dianne Lynn Smith, 75, of Nashua, NH, passed away peacefully at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center on January 7, 2025. Born in Manchester, NH, on June 15, 1949, she was the daughter of the late Harold and Alice (Boisclair) Smith. She shared 43 wonderful years of marriage with her husband, Stephen R. Smith.

 Dianne was raised in Manchester and attended local schools. A lifelong learner, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Plymouth State College in 1971 and went on to achieve two Master’s Degrees, one from Antioch College and the other from Fitchburg State University. Dianne devoted her career to education, teaching physical education and serving as a certified Guidance Counselor at Billerica High School and Marshall Middle School for 35 years. Beyond the classroom, she inspired countless students as a tennis and gymnastics coach. In her retirement, she brought her boundless energy to the School Age Adventures after-school program, where she loved playing with elementary school children across Southern New Hampshire.

A passionate volunteer, Dianne dedicated many years to the New Hampshire Special Olympics, especially enjoying her involvement in the winter games and ski programs. She had a deep love for the outdoors, embracing every season, whether she was in her “happy place” at Hampton Beach, or up in the White Mountains on the ski slopes. Dianne also had an adventurous spirit, traveling annually to St. Martin and embarking on cherished trips to Europe with her daughter.

Dianne was known for lighting up every room she entered and being the center of every gathering. Her infectious energy, warmth, and humor made her the life of the party and endeared her to everyone who met her. Above all, she was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend who found immense joy in time spent with loved ones. 

She is survived by her husband, Stephen Smith; her daughter, Caitlin Connell, and her husband Brian; her stepdaughter, Felicity Chaban, and her husband Roman; her siblings, Barbara Divenuti, Ronald Smith and his wife Dianne, and Michael Smith and his wife Karen; her grandchildren, Evan, Anya, and Leo Chaban, and Nora Connell; her best friend Linda McLaughlin; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. 

A Celebration of Dianne’s Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dianne’s memory may be made to the New Hampshire Special Olympics https://www.sonh.org/