Diane Donnelly

Diane (Hodgson) Donnelly, 77, of East Bridgewater, Mass., passed away peacefully in her home on November 3, 2024. Many of her friends were there supporting her at the end of her brave struggle with a serious illness. Diane was born January 5, 1947 as the oldest child of Albert and Barbara Hodgson who lived in West Bridgewater, Mass. She had one brother, Allen. Diane is survived by her brother-in law, Nick Donnelly and his wife Josephine of Vancouver, brother-in-law Myles Donnelly and his wife Amanda of Vancouver, nephew Ethan Donnelly and her niece Ava Donnelly. In addition to her family, there are many who will miss her deeply including some of 50-60 or more years. Diane also leaves behind her roommate and care-giving friend, Barbara Valle. There are hundreds of Diane’s spiritual brothers and sisters that will continue to be encouraged by her legacy of faith.

When she was 12, Diane made the decision to dedicate her life to her God Jehovah and was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. 

Diane graduated from West Bridgewater High School and went on to pursue a career in the full-time Bible teaching work. While attending a convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Canada in 1978, she met Dwight Donnelly. They were married the following year, and Diane joined Dwight in Canada where they lived for several years. They eventually returned to the United States and settled in the Bridgewater area. Together they lived a life of devotion, not only to each other, but to their God Jehovah. Serving him together brought them much joy.

A highlight of their life was the summer they spent doing missionary work in Newfoundland, Canada. There, they found many who were eager to hear the Bible’s message of hope. Diane and Dwight also created many happy memories together enjoying Old Silver Beach on hot summer days, and she found delight in decorating her home and yard with flowers. Diane especially excelled at doing artwork with a floral theme. 

Diane was a keen student of the Bible. Sharing the precious truths found within it to all she met was the thing that brought her the greatest joy. All who knew and loved Diane will remember her for her kind, loving ways and for the worthy example she set of Christian living. Diane found great comfort in the Bible’s promise of a future resurrection to a cleansed paradise earth. She completely trusted in Jehovah to remember her. She is now in His loving hands.

A Memorial talk will be given on November 23rd at the Rockland Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.