Diane Gilfillan

Diane Elizabeth Gilfillan, 68, of North Danville, VT, passed away on Monday, April 2, 2018, at

St. Johnsbury Health and Rehabilitation Center after a courageous battle with cancer.

Diane was born in St. Johnsbury, VT, on September 22, 1949, to Eldon and Dorothy (Jephcott)

Gilfillan. She was raised in St. Johnsbury and North Danville, graduating from Danville High

School in 1967. She attended Tulsa University and then returned home to complete her Bachelor

of Arts degree at Lyndon State College and her Master’s in Special Education at Johnson State

College. Diane was a lifelong educator who taught Special Education in Barre, St. Johnsbury,

and, finally, at Danville School for 23 years. She mentored young teachers and advocated for

students throughout her career. Diane’s love for educating youth continued after her retirement,

most recently at Lyndon Institute. She was beloved by her students and colleagues.

Diane loved the sun and being near the water, whether it was on the coast of Maine, the Outer

Banks of North Carolina, or at Willoughby Lake with her family. She also enjoyed sewing,

knitting, and baking. Diane loved her pets, especially the dogs of her life: Heidi, Mac, Belle, and

Buddy Bad Boy. Diane was a member of the North Danville Baptist Church and for years

enjoyed working with the Ladies Aid and Community Club.

Diane is survived by her daughter: Jennet Conly Tempone and her husband, Frank, of Chicago,

IL; her sister: Stephanie Patterson and her husband, Don, of Saint Helens, OR; and three

grandsons, the lights of her life: Jack, David, and Ben Tempone. She was predeceased by an

infant brother.

Funeral Services officiated by Rev. Robert Sargent will take place on Monday, April 9, 2018,

11AM, at the North Danville Baptist Church.

Donations can be made in Diane’s name to the American Society, Caledonia County Relay for

Life, 55 Day Lane, Williston, VT 05495 (put Pearlmaids in the memo line).

Memories and condolences can be shared with the family online at www.saylesfh.com.