Diane M (Cloutier) Bonenfant

Diane M (Cloutier) Bonenfant, a beloved mother, grandmother, and sister from Amherst, NH, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2023 after a brief illness, surrounded by her loving family. She was 75 years old, born on July 31, 1947, in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada. Diane moved to Berlin, NH, in 1952 and became a US citizen in 1957. She later settled in Nashua, NH, where she graduated from St. Louis High in 1966.

Diane was predeceased by her beloved husband, Ronald E Bonenfant, whom she married in 1966. She is survived by her three children, Christine Rand and (Stephen) of Mont Vernon, NH, Jim Bonenfant and (Kelley) of Clearwater, FL, Daniel Bonenfant and (Susan) of Amherst, NH; her grandchildren, Alyssa Maurice and (Steven) of Greenfield, NH, Alex Bonenfant of Amherst, NH, Kyleigh Bonenfant of Amherst, NH, Matthew Rand of Gastonia, NC, David Rand and (Alysha) of Portland, OR, Annalise Rand of Portland, OR; her great-grandchildren, Autumn, Gavin, Declan and Adalynn Maurice of Greenfield, NH, Gordon Rand of Portland, OR, Elijah Rand Wing of Portland, OR; her sister, Nicole Pomerleau and (Leonard) of Merrimack, NH; her brother, Michel Cloutier of Freedom, NH; and many nieces and nephews and cousins.

Diane adored her family. She joyfully cared for her grandkids and extended family, embracing the role of a nurturing caregiver. Motherhood brought her immense happiness, and she cherished the stories and adventures shared by her children.

Diane will always be remembered for her unwavering faith, passion for education, and selfless dedication to others. Love, religion, and steadfast belief shaped her life and influenced everyone she encountered. Her love for education, fueled by her faith, was evident in her co-founding and operating of Living and Learning Preschool, as well as her years of service as a substitute teacher in the Merrimack School District. As a Sacristan at St. John Neumann, she found comfort and purpose within her church, fulfilling her religious duties with unwavering commitment and dedication.

Exemplifying the power of living by one’s beliefs, Diane’s faith guided her actions. From leading the Day Away Program at the church to cherishing the tradition of Tuesday Night Supper, she welcomed all as family, radiating kindness to everyone she met. Her genuine love for others and selfless dedication to their happiness defined her character. Diane’s infectious positive spirit created a warm and welcoming atmosphere, demonstrating the power of kindness and compassion.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, June 26, 2023, from 9 to 11 am at St. John Neumann, 708 Milford Rd. Merrimack NH followed by a funeral service mass at 11 am. All are welcome to join a reception at 12 pm at the church. The interment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Diane’s honor can be made to Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).

To leave condolences online, please visit rivetfuneralhome.com.