Diane Neumann Hernsdorf passed away on August 7 after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born in Bangor, Maine and raised in Wethersfield. After attending Hartford College for Women and Earlham College, she met and married Otto Neumann. They moved to Granby in 1961 where they raised their four children.
Diane “fell in love” with Granby and began a lifelong career in community service and leadership in the Republican Party. She was the first and only woman ever to be Granby First Selectman after having served on the board of selectmen. She remained active on the Republican Town Committee and as a moderator for the state election day in Granby. She actively participated in Granby Senior Center programs including Women’s Breakfast, the civic engagement team and the education program.
She was a member of the Granby Congregational Church for 60 years and was eventually honored as a deacon emerita. She also worked with her first husband for Neumann Associates and curated the museum and managed the library of the Hartford Medical Society.
Diane was widowed in 1991. She remarried, to Roger Hernsdorf in 1998.
She is survived by her husband, her four children, 12 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Strong yet very caring, Diane was much loved and respected, welcoming everyone with open arms and wonderful smile.
Donations in Diane’s memory can be made to the Granby Community Fund, P.O. Box 94, Granby CT 06035 or to a charity of your choice.