Diane M. Bacon, 72

Diane Marie (née Gagnon) Bacon, 72,  passed away peacefully May 7, 2026, following a brief, but difficult, illness. She died at home in the loving presence of her husband Bob, with her dogs Duke and Daisy nearby, and in view of her beloved Florida waterfront garden.

Diane was born July 10, 1953, in Manchester, daughter of Raymond J. Gagnon and Claire (née Lavigne) Gagnon. She attended St. Anthony’s School and graduated from Trinity High School in 1971. She earned her associate's degree in business from Hesser College, and her bachelor’s degree in library sciences from Plymouth State University. She worked in sales and kitchen design before settling into her dream job as the assistant director and children’s librarian at the Gordon-Nash Library in New Hampton, where she also curated the monthly book club.

Diane was a modern day Renaissance woman who accomplished everything she set her mind and her talents to. She was a skilled equestrian who competed in dressage events; a certified hunting and gun safety instructor for the State of New Hampshire; and a ballroom dancer who also taught belly dancing. Diane was an adventurous and exceptional cook who designed her own kitchens. She became a master gardener, and had a good eye for antiques and collectibles. Following her retirement to Florida in 2018, she pursued arts and crafts including painting, resin work, and fabric arts.

Diane loved the Red Sox, but was most passionate about animals. She and her husband served as the New Hampshire licensed providers for New England Brittany Rescue Service, providing triage medical care, foster placement and adoption services for more than 110 dogs during their tenure.

Diane’s laughter, passion, and humor will be missed by all who knew her.

Diane is survived by her husband, Robert Bacon of Hudson, Florida (formerly of Alexandria); her siblings, Jacqueline Gagnon of Goffstown, Raymond A. Gagnon (Joanne) of Weare, Marc H. Gagnon (Deena) of Merrimack, and Amelia Island, Florida, and Amy Slingsby (Scott) of Francestown. The family includes her nephew and nieces, Tiffany (née Gagnon) Bowman, Geoffrey Gagnon, Mackenzie Perra, Kayla (née Gagnon) DiManna, Julie Gagnon; Meredith O’Brien (David) of Rochester; the “grands” Arielle and Giada Balderrama and Adam DiManna; and many cousins.

A family celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Diane requests donations be made to New England Brittany Rescue, 829 Mill St., Marion, MA 02738, or your local animal shelter or rescue facility.