(MyKeeneNow) – Dianne Marilyn (Johnson) Baxter, 92, passed away on Aug. 11, 2024, at Maplewood Nursing Home in Westmoreland following a brief period of declining health.

Born on Aug. 14, 1931, in Providence, R.I., she was the youngest child and only daughter of Earl S. Johnson and Bessie L. (Peckham) Johnson. Baxter was educated in the Providence public schools and later pursued nursing, earning her registered nurse diploma from the Rhode Island Hospital School of Nursing in 1951.

Baxter lived and worked in Rhode Island until 1964, when she moved to New Hampshire, eventually settling in Keene. She worked at the local hospital and Keene Clinic for many years, specializing in maternity care, before retiring at age 62.

In her early 60s, Baxter took on the responsibility of raising her son’s two young children, a commitment for which they remain deeply appreciative.

Baxter enjoyed sewing when her children were young, crafting lined coats and hats for them at Easter. Later in life, she became an avid quilter and a member of the Cheshire Quilting Guild, known for her extensive fabric collection. She also enjoyed dried flower pressing and created several framed pieces.

A devoted sports fan, Baxter followed the Red Sox, Celtics, and Patriots closely. She was especially thrilled when the Celtics won the championship this year and never missed a playoff game.

Baxter was known for her bright mind and quick wit, often sharing jokes with family and friends. She maintained an online presence well into her nineties, using Facebook and streaming Netflix.

She is survived by her daughters, Linda Whitenack and her partner, William Cote, of Manchester, N.H.; Marcia Barrett and her husband, Thomas, of Keene, N.H.; and Kendra Baxter and her husband, David Collins, of Londonderry, N.H. She is also survived by her son, John Baxter, and his partner, Stephanie O’Brien, of San Jose, Calif.; six grandchildren, Kyle, Sara, and Levi Barrett, and Elizabeth, Christopher, and Nathan Baxter; and her great-grandson, Aiden Taintor, along with many nieces and nephews.

Baxter was predeceased by her parents, Earl and Bessie Johnson, her brothers and their wives, Donald and Nancy Johnson, and Dale and Miriam Johnson, as well as her niece, Susan Johnson.

Per her wishes, services will be private, and her ashes will be interred in Rhode Island at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations may be made to the Cheshire Quilters’ Guild, P.O. Box 1481, Keene, N.H. 03431, or the Monadnock Humane Society, 101 W. Swanzey Rd., Swanzey, N.H. 03446.

Arrangements are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave., Keene.  www.cheshirefamilyfh.com