Diane Donnellan Denton

Diane Donnellan Denton, 85, of West Hartford, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025, after a long illness. Diane was born on March 17, 1940, the daughter of the late Robert E. Donnellan and Josephine Cebula. She was the wife of the late Robert (“Bob”) Denton, her husband of 46 years, who predeceased her on October 6, 2007. Diane was a lifelong resident of West Hartford, where she was a friend to many. She fostered close bonds with her neighbors on Brunswick Avenue, Glenbrook Road, King Road, and her colleagues at the West Hartford Public Library, where she worked for twenty years as the Assistant to the Executive Director. Diane was an active member of many social groups, most notably the Mountain Valley Garden Club and the Red Hat Society. Additionally, Diane was a faithful attendee, volunteer, and supporter of the First Church of Christ Congregational in West Hartford. No surprise, her calendar was always full of events and plans with friends. Diane lived a full life and enjoyed many passions. She loved to garden and spent many years digging and planting at her King Road home along with her husband, Bob. She also enjoyed photography, and took great pride in preserving memories with family and friends in her photo albums and scrapbooks. Diane had a deep love of learning, pursuing interests such as genealogy, lamp repair, and guitar. While working full time and raising her three sons, she spent fifteen years as a part time student to earn her college degree. In her later years, she was grateful for the opportunity to travel with friends and remembered those trips fondly. Most of all, Diane was a dedicated wife to Bob and mother to her three children, William (“Bill”), Robert (“Bobby”), and James (“Jim”). She was a constant source of encouragement to her children, and took great pride in their accomplishments through the years. A terrific cook, Diane loved sharing time with her family over a home cooked meal. She also cherished her relationships with her three grandchildren, Allison, Brian, and Owen, who have countless wonderful memories of their time with her. Diane is survived by her son James Denton; brother Robert Donnellan; daughter-in-law Catherine Denton; grandchildren Allison White and her husband Bradley, Brian Denton and his fiancé Meredith Piela, and Owen Denton; and great grandchildren Rory and Keegan White. She also leaves behind her cherished nieces, Jennifer Friedlander and Carrie Donnellan, and their families. Diane was preceded in death by her husband, Robert B. Denton, Sr., and two of her sons, William Denton and Robert B. Denton, Jr. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, January 16, 2026 at the First Church of Christ Congregational in West Hartford. Burial will be private. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com.