SALEM – It is with great sadness that the family of Mrs. Diane (Twardowski) Robichaud, 82, of Salem, announce her passing on Saturday, September 21st, 2024, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Diane was born, raised, and educated in Salem and was a graduate of Salem High School.  She was the daughter of the late Michael and Delvina (Sousa) Twardowski. Following graduation, she married Ernest Robichaud. They shared many happy years raising their three daughters in Salem and creating lasting memories.

Diane had a special place in her heart for children and was employed for 20 years as a preschool teacher. Many people will also fondly remember her from her employment at Salem Willows Casino Arcade where she enjoyed working for 22 years.

A loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Diane's life was one filled with simple joys and cherished moments with her family. Her greatest joy came from time spent together, especially, summer vacations on Lake Sebago in Maine or one of the many special milestones or events shared with her grandsons. She had a "green thumb" and could often be found tending to her beautiful gardens and enjoying the fruits of her labors. Diane was very creative, and her front door and stoop reflected that with tribute to whatever season or holiday was upon us, much to the delight of visitors and neighbors. She loved reading, and it was not unusual for her to complete several books per week. Diane loved travelling and enjoyed many exciting trips to various destinations throughout her life. She was also an active participant in activities at the Salem Senior Center including Pilates, Yoga, and Zumba over the past 25 years of her life.

Diane's outgoing personality along with her strong sense of compassion for others was reflected in her many friendships. Her "tell it like it is" attitude was softened by her empathy and a genuine desire to help others, which she did often and quietly.  As the matriarch of her family, Diane reveled in each new baby, marriage, accomplishment, and milestone and often marked these occasions with a special card that included a loving or encouraging, handwritten note sent in the mail.

Diane received tremendous support and comfort as a longtime member of Alanon where she cultivated many special friendships. She was a parishioner of St. James Church in Salem for many years. Diane was also a dedicated supporter of St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Surviving Diane are her children, Michelle Melin and her partner, Lou of Salem, Laureen Campbell and her husband, Troy of Salem, Kristen Newland and her husband, Brad of Salem, her grandchildren, Carl Melin, Patrick Melin, Aaron Campbell, John Campbell, Joshua Newland, Jonathan Newland, her sister, Sandra Moore and her husband, Gary, several special nieces and nephews, and many cherished friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Ernest Robichaud in 1984. She was also the sister of the late Carol Zuppio.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to her funeral service which will be held at O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq. (at Salem Common) SALEM, on Thursday, Sept 26th at 11:30 A.M. Visiting hours prior to the service from 10 to 11:30 A.M. Burial in Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Diane's memory to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl, Memphis, TN 38101.  To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105
Tel: 1-800-805-5856
Web: http://www.stjude.org/