News Summary
Diane Anderson Pollard, a devoted family member and social worker, passed away peacefully at her home in Durham, New Hampshire. She dedicated her life to helping others and leaves behind a legacy of compassion through her family and community service. Diane is survived by her husband, children, and grandchildren, and her contributions to social work will be remembered by many. The family requests donations in her memory to the Termeer Center for Targeted Therapies.
Durham, NH – Diane Anderson Pollard, a beloved family matriarch and dedicated social worker, passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 6, 2025, at her home in Durham, New Hampshire. She was 81 years old and had been battling cancer for the past two years, during which she cherished spending time with her four grandchildren. In accordance with her wishes, no public service is planned.
Diane was born on June 8, 1944, at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, to Margaret Lane Hardy and James (Howard) Hardy, who served as a Captain in the U.S. Army and was killed during the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944. Following her father’s death, Diane and her mother moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, where Margaret later married John Anderson. John legally adopted Diane and raised her alongside his two daughters. Diane graduated from St. Petersburg High School in 1962 before pursuing higher education.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from Florida State University in 1967, and subsequently obtained two Master of Science degrees: one in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Florida in 1969 and another in Social Work from Boston University in 1978. During her time at Florida State University, Diane met her future husband, James E. (Jim) Pollard, on a blind date in 1965; they married in 1967 and moved to Durham, NH, in 1970, where they lived for 55 years.
Family and Legacy
Diane is survived by her husband Jim, their son Dr. Jason Pollard and his wife Dr. Jessica Pollard, along with their sons Owen and Miles, as well as their daughter Lindsey Koudelka and her husband Lukáš Koudelka, and their daughters Nadia and Georgia. She is also survived by her sisters, Vicki Decker of Portsmouth, NH, and Linda Kline-Romboy of St. Petersburg, FL. A cousin, Ginger Hanner of St. Petersburg, FL, provided steadfast support throughout Diane’s life.
Community Contributions
In her professional life, Diane was a passionate social worker whose contributions made a meaningful impact on many lives. Her love of life, thoughtfulness, and generosity touched the hearts of those around her. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Diane Pollard to the Termeer Center for Targeted Therapies at the MGB Cancer Institute. Online submissions for donations are available on their designated website.
Conclusion
The passing of Diane Anderson Pollard marks the loss of a devoted family member and skilled social worker. Her legacy will continue through her children and grandchildren, who carry forward her values of compassion and dedication to helping others. More details, including a complete obituary, can be found at www.kentandpelczarfh.com.
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Additional Resources
- Obituaries: Dr. Eric Lund
- Wikipedia: Social Work
- Obituaries: Foster’s Daily Democrat
- Google Search: Durham NH community services
- Obituaries: Seacoast Online
- Google Scholar: Social Work Impact
- Obituary Memorial: Diane Anderson Pollard
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Social Worker
- Obituaries: G. Fitzgerald
- Google News: Social Work Donations
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