Dianne Elizabeth (Pierce) Gotshall

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Dianne Elizabeth Gotshall, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, on April 18, 2026, at Lowell General Hospital. She was surrounded by her loving family at the time of her passing. Dianne was born on October 2, 1942, at Laconia Hospital, the cherished daughter of Maurice and Alice (Whiting) Pierce.

Dianne attended the Sandwich, NH elementary schools. A graduate of the Inter-Lakes High School class of 1960, Dianne attended Plymouth State College, earning a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education in 1966. 

On December 27, 1962, she married "the boy next door," Abbott Gotshall, Jr, while he was on active duty as an Ordnance Officer in the US Army. Following her junior year of college, she joined her husband in Friedberg, Germany. Upon their return to the United States, she completed her degree.

Dianne was a devoted stay-at-home mother to her two wonderful sons, Christopher and David, until they were both in school. She then began her career as a substitute teacher at the Pelham E. G. Sherburne school, and the following year was hired as a first-grade teacher in Pelham, where she dedicated 28 years to educating young minds.

Dianne retired early to assist in raising her three beloved grandsons. She was a firm believer that the best education was through experience, exposure and the written word. She spent countless hours reading to the children and took her family on numerous memorable trips to zoos, museums, and historical sites - most notably Disney World, which left the deepest impression. 

An enthusiastic host and talented baker, Dianne cherished the Christmas season. She delighted in hosting annual luncheons for her retired teacher friends and spent many joyful hours baking hundreds of Christmas cookies to share with family, friends, and neighbors.

Dianne is survived by her devoted husband of 63 years, Abbott Gotshall, Jr.; her son Christopher; her son David and his wife Robin; and her three grandsons, Hunter, Jackson, and Boden.

A graveside service will be held at Little Pond Cemetery, Sandwich, NH at a date to be determined. E-condolences at www.pelhamfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Dianne's memory to the Community Church of Sandwich, P.O. Box 267, Center Sandwich, NH 03227. Local arrangements by PELHAM FUNERAL HOME – PELHAM – NH – (603) 635-3333.

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