Margaret Diane McGill

In addition to her husband of 60 years, Diane is survived by her children, sons Sean Jennings McGill, and his wife Amanda Scarlett McGill, and Mark Benton McGill, and daughter Amanda Charlotte McGill, and her husband John Michael Zoltek; grandchildren, Emma, Eli, Anderson, Chase, Quentin and Olivia; and her brother, Rudolph Hillebrand, and his wife Patricia Hillebrand, and her sister Zita Pfaff, and her husband, Eugene Pfaff.

Diane was born May 27, 1941, in Saint Mary’s, Pennsylvania, to the late Rudolph and Margaret (Tootie) Hillebrand. She was educated at Bennetts Valley High School and Durham Technical Community College, where she received her Practical Nurse’s License followed by her Associated Degree in Nursing. In 1996, Diane became a registered nurse caring for people with serious mental illness, which suited her compassionate personality and love for others. She worked at Dorothea Dix Hospital in Raleigh and Central Regional Hospital in Butner until her retirement in 2014.

Diane believed in achieving one’s highest potential. She had to be self-sufficient from a young age, and it was then that she made up her mind to not just survive but thrive. In high school, Diane excelled. She was an honor student, a member of the chorus, yearbook staff, cheerleading team, performed drama, and was crowned “Miss Bennetts Valley.” Diane was also very resourceful in finding creative ways to make money while doing what she loved. As an avid reader, she worked part-time as a librarian. She loved sewing, so she made clothes for herself, her sister and sold her creations to others. Although she was a very busy young woman, she found time to enjoy her passion for animals taking horseback rides into the Allegany Mountains with her horse, Flicka, and beloved border collie, Kim.

Shortly after high school, Diane fell in love and married Charles, a man that stood out above all the rest. She knew he was going places, and she had a plan. Her dream was to relocate to a bigger city with warm weather and better opportunities. It is really no surprise that in 1976, Diane, Charles, and their three young children moved from the small town in the mountains of PA to Raleigh. She began work as a part-time sales representative for Pfizer, found a church home to raise her children, and became active in volunteer work in the community.

Everyone who met Diane knew she was happy, generous, and kind. She was also formidable and brave. These were the gifts bestowed upon her from her lifelong relationship with Christ. She was a dedicated mother, forgiving, understanding, and supportive of their dreams. Diane taught her children by example; to look for the best in people, show compassion, and exert the strength to advocate for themselves and others in more vulnerable positions. She handled adversity and conflict with savvy and grace.

Those who spent any amount of time with Diane knew she laughed. A lot. She enjoyed her family, friends, co-workers, and especially her grandchildren. Her caring nature and sound advice resulted in a home life full of activity. She prepared sit-down dinners every night and was always ready with an additional place setting for friends and her children’s friends. People were

drawn to Diane. She had great respect for the hard-working nurses and healthcare technicians she worked with and genuinely enjoyed their friendship. As hundreds of hospital staff can attest, she showed her respect and love by cooking and baking her famous brownies. She was selfless and a stable and calming force in the lives of others, including her children, who remained very close to her throughout her life.

Diane’s love for the Lord and her personal relationship with Jesus Christ gave her a genuinely fulfilling and joyous life. She lived her life deliberately, exactly how she intended. It was s life of great dignity full of laughter, wisdom, and thoughtfulness that will live on in all who knew her.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, November 7, 2021. The family invites visitors to stop in between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Mitchell Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, with Chaplain Andy Ross officiating a brief prayer service beginning at 1:00pm.

In lieu of flowers and in memory of Diane’s love for animals, please direct memorials to her favorite rescue organization, Dead Broke Farm, where she most enjoyed volunteering her time, by using the link under 'Donations".

Dead Broke Farm dedicates every dollar donated to helping rescue horses who are suffering from starvation, neglect, and abuse. Dead Broke Farm has created a donation in Diane’s name. Simply select the dropdown, “In Memory of a Fallen Volunteer-Diane McGill,” from the payment page, and God bless their continued work.