Diane Bennett

Diane Jean Bennett (Braun) of Lancaster, New Hampshire passed away on August 24, 2025 at the age of 78, while surrounded by her family and friends.

Diane was born December 28, 1946 in Evanston, Illinois to Richard and Barbara Braun. She spent her early life in Michigan, where she developed a passion for animals. Licensed by the State of Michigan, she spent many years rehabilitating and releasing orphaned wild animals. This life-long passion once earned her moniker of “The Raccoon Lady of Michigan” from the Detroit Free Press.

In 1982 she met the love of her life David while on a castle bridge in England. After marrying, she and her daughter moved from Michigan to Lancaster, NH in 1983. She and David were by each other’s side for 42 years.

A beloved member of her community, she continued to rescue animals and people her entire life. She served as an Emergency Medical Technician with the Lancaster Emergency Service and worked as the District Administrator for the Coos County Conservation District until her retirement in 2013.

She enjoyed spending time with her family and attending local fairs. She was a well-known attendee of the Fryeburg fair in Fryeburg ME. Where she and her family vacationed every year.
She will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched.

She is survived by her husband David, her children Gail, Steven and Jennifer, her sister Kathryn, her nieces and nephew, Cynthia, Erin and Paul, her grandchildren Madeline, Jeanette and Camden.

A celebration of her life will be held on October 18, 2025, from1-3 pm at the Bailey Funeral Home: 210 Main St. Lancaster, NH 03584. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her name to your local ASPCA.