Diane M. Rockwell

Diane M. (Tefft) Rockwell, 74, of Hope Valley, RI, passed away at home surrounded by the love of her family on Thursday, March 24, 2022.  She was the wife of James “Jim” A. Rockwell Jr.  Born in South Kingstown, RI on May 23, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Aulbery D. and Kathleen V. (Palmer) Tefft. 
Diane was born and raised on Guernsey Acres dairy farm in Hope Valley, RI. As a young woman, Diane worked at Kaydee Designs Inc. and was later employed at Tum-A-Lum Farm in Westerly. There, she milked cows and did other farm work alongside her sister Theresa, before becoming a sales associate at Westerly Agway where she worked for many years. She enjoyed her time there working alongside her sister Gladys. Finally, she was employed in property management for a waterfront property in Charlestown, RI before she retired in 2019. Though she was a hard worker, Diane knew how to live life.  She enjoyed gardening, woodworking, cooking and baking, and her beloved Belgian draft horses, with whom she attended many shows and events. Diane was also known for her incredible display of Christmas lights each year. Some of her most cherished memories were the many vacations she took with her sisters and nieces, and she would never turn down a trip to the casino. Most importantly, she loved spending time with her family.
Besides her husband, Jim, she leaves her sons James A. Rockwell III (Debra Dobson) of Charlestown, and Joseph A. Rockwell (Tonya Pierce) of Hope Valley; her grandchildren Holli Griffiths (Jordan) of Foster, Debra Rockwell of Hopkinton, Wade Rockwell (Nicole) of Voluntown, CT, and Jacob Rockwell of Hope Valley; the lights of her life, her great-granddaughters Avery & Alivia Griffiths and Adalynn Rockwell; her siblings Judith A. Bell, Aulbrey Tefft Jr. (Brenda), Leo Tefft (Margaret), brother in law Ronald Hall, Theresa Lorenson (William), John Tefft (Nancy), Jeffery Tefft (Judy), Jane McLintock (William), Paula Livosi (Jeffery), Timothy Tefft (Penny), and Kenneth Tefft; many nieces and nephews and cherished friends. She will be fondly and lovingly remembered by her friend Mrs. Bridget Generis. She was preceded in death by her sisters Lou Ann and Roselyn Tefft, and Gladys Hall and her brother in law David Bell.
Diane’s family would like to take the opportunity to thank Beacon Hospice for the amazing care they provided, especially her beloved nurse, Megan Godbout.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to Beacon Hospice Care 1130 Ten Rod Road Unit A205 North Kingstown, Rhode Island 02852.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, April 4, 2022 from 6pm to 8pm at the S.R. Avery Funeral Home 3A Bank St., Hope Valley, RI. 
Funeral services will be held the following day, Tuesday, April 5 with friends and family welcome to gather at 10am, followed by a service at the funeral home for 11am.
Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery, Hope Valley.
For online condolences, please visit www.averyfuneralhome.com
 

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