Diane Gilligan

Diane M. Gilligan, 77, of Wethersfield, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 9, 2026 after a brief illness. Born in Hartford on October 2, 1948, she was the youngest child of the late Edward and Sylvia (Holmgren) Gilligan. Diane was educated in Hartford public schools and was a graduate of Central Connecticut State University.

Diane began her career as a pension analyst for Aetna Life and Casualty. She then transitioned to a position teaching English at Henry James Memorial School in Simsbury. Diane often enjoyed following the careers of her former students. Prior to her retirement, Diane worked for many years for the Connecticut State University System Office as a technical writer. Along with being a talented writer, her innate ability to problem solve enabled her to wear many hats and provide valuable assistance to many areas of the organization.

Diane was a beautiful, kind, generous and loving soul who spent her life trying to make life better for others. She will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.

Left to cherish her memory are her lifelong best friend and sister, Nancy Gilligan; brother, Robert Gilligan and wife Judith; brother, William Gilligan and wife Gloria; sister-in-law, Joan Gilligan; nieces, Beth Gilligan, Holly Gilligan, Lisa Daly, Christine Gilligan and Debra Sasena and nephew, Scott Gilligan, along with many grandnieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Edward Gilligan.

Funeral services and burial will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations in Diane’s memory may be made to Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, Utah 84741 or online at www.bestfriends.org The D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, Wethersfield has been entrusted with the arrangements. To share a memory of Diane, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com