Diane M. Ritter

Diane Ritter, 72, of Hooksett, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2026, at Hospice House in Merrimack, surrounded by love and leaving behind a lifetime of memories that will forever be cherished by those who knew her.

Born in Manchester on December 7, 1953, Diane was the daughter of the late Francis and Viola (Morrissette) St. Jean. Throughout her life, Diane had a gift for making everyone feel important. She was warm, welcoming, and friendly to everyone she met. Her infectious personality and genuine love for people earned her a special nickname within her family: the "Mayor." It seemed that no matter where she went, she knew someone. Whether out in her hometown or even on a cruise, Diane was always recognized and greeted by friends and familiar faces.

Diane found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved learning new recipes from cooking shows and was a wonderful cook. Her famous pork pies became a beloved staple at holiday dinners for families throughout the Manchester area, creating traditions and memories that will live on for generations.

She loved to dance, especially country line dancing at the Mill Around, where she could enjoy music, laughter, and the company of others. She loved playing games, sharing laughter with family, and enjoying every opportunity to make memories.

Diane worked for many years at the Puritan Backroom in Manchester, a place she truly loved. She took great pride in her work, especially in her role as Banquet Coordinator, where her love of people and her ability to make everyone feel welcome shone brightly.

Above all else, Diane was devoted to her family. She was a loving wife, a mother who was more than a parent, she was her children's best friend, and a grandmother whose grandchildren meant more to her than anything in the world. She adored Adrian and Luciana and treasured every moment she shared with them. Her love was unconditional, her presence comforting, and her family was at the heart of everything she did.

Diane was also a devoted friend, especially to her best friend, Heidi Spencer, whom she was always up for playing a game of Backgammon with. She valued the friendships she made throughout her life and loved nothing more than spending time with the people she cared about. She enjoyed attending concerts, often finding a way to get front-row seats to see her favorite local musicians.

Diane leaves behind her beloved husband, Robert Ritter; her son Scott Ritter, her daughter, Sheri Nocelli, and her husband, Lucien Nocelli; her cherished grandchildren, Adrian Nocelli and Luciana Nocelli; her siblings, Francis "Skyp" St. Jean and his wife, Carole, of Concord, Richard St. Jean and his wife, Bonnie, of Barnstead; sister, Suzanne Moore (Deceased) and her husband Michael Moore; her niece, Amy Moore; and her nephews, John St. Jean, Daniel St. Jean, Richard St. Jean, and Michael Moore. She also leaves behind countless friends and loved ones whose lives were made brighter by knowing her.

Diane's laughter, kindness, friendship, and love of life will never be forgotten. She had a way of making ordinary moments special and making everyone around her feel like they mattered. Her memory will live on in the family gatherings, the recipes passed down, the music and dancing, the games played, and the countless stories that will continue to be told.

She was deeply loved, and she will be missed beyond words. Services are private. Arrangements in care of the Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St., Manchester, NH; www.LambertFuneralHome.com