REEDVILLE—Diane Gloria Routhier, 72, peacefully passed away on Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Williamsburg. She is now reunited in heaven with her beloved mother, Margaret Dufault; father, Theodore A. Routhier; stepfather, Roy Dufault; sisters, Lorraine (Routhier) Bouthiller and Susie (Anne Marie) (Routhier) Sweeney; brother, Theodore G. Routhier; nephew, Gregg Routhier; and niece, Wanda (Bouthiller) French.
Diane’s memory will be cherished by those who remain, her sister, Helen (Routhier) Flis and brother-in-law, John Flis of Colchester, Conn.; her brother, Emil Routhier and sister-in-law, Susan Routhier of Holliston, Mass.; her brother, Don Routhier and sister-in-law, Nina Routhier of Reedville; her brother-in-law, Richard Sweeney of Newburgh, N.Y.; and her nieces, nephews and their families, including Michelle and Jack Jolly, Marie Flis, Thomas Routhier, Rick and Michelle Sweeney, Renee and Brian Rafferty, Nicholette Routhier, Ted Bouthiller, and many children of her nieces and nephews. Diane was also deeply loved by her devoted dogs, SuzyQ and Skippy, who brought her comfort and joy.
Born on January 16, 1953, in Worcester, Mass., Diane’s journey through life was marked by her dedication to learning and her successful career. She earned her bachelor’s from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and went on to obtain a master’s from the University of Connecticut. She spent many years as a partner/director in human resources at AETNA/CVS, where she was known for her leadership, compassion and dedication. Diane retired from this fulfilling career in 2020.
Diane was much more than her professional achievements; she was a woman of many talents and a heart full of love. A devoted dog mom, she found solace and happiness in her furry companions, SuzyQ and Skippy. She was also a skilled handywoman, often taking on projects herself, including finishing the full basement of her cherished Connecticut home.
Her adventurous spirit led her to explore the world, traveling across the United States and living in California for many years. Diane was a lover of the outdoors, enjoying camping and fishing trips with family and friends. She was a master of her mother’s meat pie recipe, which she baked every Thanksgiving, a beloved family tradition. She was a loyal fan of the Patriots and Red Sox.
Above all, Diane was a devoted and loving member of the Routhier family. Her annual Christmas parties were legendary, complete with a Yankee Swap gift exchange, a basement transformed into a festive wonderland for the kids, a playful Magic 8 Ball tradition and the always anticipated “I’m a little teapot” competition. Her home was a place where family gathered, laughter filled the air and the bonds of family were strengthened year after year.
In honor of Diane’s wishes, the family will hold two celebrations of life—one by land and one by sea—so her cremated remains can be laid to rest in the beautiful and meaningful places she loved. Her ashes will be scattered on the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia and on the scenic land of Amherst, Massachusetts, both places that held special significance in her life. Further details about these services will be shared once confirmed.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Hospice House of Williamsburg, a sanctuary that provided Diane with compassionate care in her final hours. Donations can be made at: https://williamsburghospice.org/
Diane will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love, kindness, and joy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
