Diane May Hibbard

Diane Richards Hibbard

Born February 22, 1951 Portland, Maine

YARMOUTH, Maine: Diane Richards Hibbard, 70, a much-loved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend passed away peacefully on October 22, 2021, with her husband and daughters holding her hand. She was an incredibly compassionate, kind, and loving woman who will be missed greatly by her friends and family.

Diane grew up in Yarmouth, Maine after being adopted when she was 9 months old. She was raised as an only child in a quiet village by older parents who were poor in finances but rich in love. Diane attended Yarmouth schools beginning with the “little brick schools” on West Main Street. She graduated in 1969 with a small class of 54 from Yarmouth High School, many who still live in the Yarmouth area. In 2019, the class celebrated 50 years. After graduating, Diane attended Westbrook College, the University of Maine at Gorham, Belleville Area College in Illinois where she earned a degree in horticulture, and ultimately Husson College in Portland, Maine where she proudly earned a degree in Business and Technology.

Diane met Bill Hibbard while at the University of Maine, Gorham and after a short engagement, they were married in 1971. They drove across the country to California where she supported his military career of over 21 years. These years were spent traveling to Air Force Bases around the world and visiting a lot of places along the way including: Guam, South Korea, Japan, Okinawa, and the Philippines. It was a favorite part of her life as she explored new places and made lots of friends. She has remained in touch with many between Maine and Washington state.

During this time, Bill and Diane raised two daughters, Krista and Samantha. Diane was a great mom who put a lot of energy into creating special family moments and memories. She was a talented and creative homemaker, an empathetic listener and she was always there for her family. Later, she cherished her role as a grandmother “Grams” and enjoyed life’s simple pleasures with Charlie.

In the early 1990s, Diane and her family returned to Maine. Bill’s Air Force career was complete, and her parents were aging and needed help. While living in Camden, she supported her parents in their own home. During this time she enjoyed working at various nurseries in the mid-coast: Merry Gardens, Plants Unlimited, Holly Hill, and Cottage Gardens in Damariscotta. She and a good friend, Francie, also had a small seasonal business for several years growing holiday herb wreaths that shipped all across the country. She loved working outside, enjoying the fresh air, making things grow and meeting many wonderful customers; it was a cherished time. Following her employment at the nurseries she was hired at People Places and Plants magazine - which was, perhaps, her favorite employment. She loved the magazine, the people, the flower shows; and her role in advertising just suited her. When publishing ended she joined the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, first in Portland and then moving to the education center in Falmouth and worked with Master Gardeners around the county. Diane’s love of gardening lives on through her family and the many beautiful gardens she created over time.

Throughout her life, Diane also played the important role of caretaker, providing love and support to elderly friends and family when they needed help. This was something she both loved and was good at; she enriched many lives. She was also passionate about animals, and especially about cats – providing a loving home for numerous rescue cats over the years. She had a special love for Miss Mocha, who she is probably enjoying cat naps with now.

When the day is done, Yarmouth is home. Diane moved back into her childhood home, where renovations and gardening filled her time. She loved the community she grew up in and enjoyed volunteering for many organizations including the History Center, The Village Improvement Society, St. Mary’s Garden Club in Falmouth, and the Riverside Cemetery Committee, where she put an incredible amount of effort into the creation of the beautiful Cremation Garden. She was also actively engaged with her daughters in support of the American Heart Association.

In her own words, “Daughters like sisters, a husband who never wavered, and so many supportive friends. Life has been good with lots of medical ups and downs. Sam says, “you’ve had 9 lives Mom.” Life has been generous.”

Predeceased by her parents; Leroy and Cynthia Richards who passed in the mid 90’s and birth father, George Stavrou from New Hampshire.

Sadly leaving behind her husband of over 50 years, Bill Hibbard formally of Dracut, Massachusetts, daughter Krista Bauer and her husband Craig of O’Fallon Il. A very special grandson Charles “Charlie” Allen Bauer, now 12 years old. Daughter Samantha Commeau and her partner Kevin DayCoombs and his two boys Bode and Brekin of Gorham, Maine. Cousins, Gene and Carol Merrill of Whiting, New Jersey, Aunt, Evelyn Stavrou Hubal of Keene, New Hampshire and several cousins. Her extended family including her birth mother, sister, brothers, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A celebration of her amazing life will be held in June 2022, Diane’s favorite time of year, when hopefully the pandemic has receded and lots of people can come together to remember Diane while her gardens are blooming and nature is fully awake. Details will be shared at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please send remembrances to The American Heart Association, Hart Animal Shelter, and the Yarmouth History Center.