Susan Hammond Newman

1957-2026

Susan “Diane” Hammond Newman, 68, of Little River, S.C., passed away peacefully on April 19, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on August 7, 1957, in Cheverly, Md., she was the daughter of the late Bobie Dean Hammond and Jo Ann Young Hammond, both of whom she will now join in eternal rest.

Diane lived a life defined by kindness, creativity and quiet generosity.

She was the oldest of six siblings and a steady, loving presence for her entire family.

She is survived by her sister Alice K. Fleece and her husband Jojo of Berkeley Springs, W.Va.; brothers Preston (Mike) Hammond and his wife Mary of Great Cacapon, W.Va.; William (Tim) Hammond of Great Cacapon, W.Va.; and brothers Robert K. Hammond and Christopher A. Hammond both of Powhatan, Va., along with many nieces and nephews who adored her. Diane was the devoted mother of four daughters, each of whom carries her strength and spirit forward: Shannon Flaherty and husband Jack of Yantic, Conn., and their children Cassandra and Ayden; Kathleen McSparran and partner Timothy Barczak of Waterford, Conn.; Kimberly Desaulniers and husband Michael of Windham, Conn., and their children Hailey, Ziva and Amy and Megan Beason and husband Michael of Bellevue, Neb., and their children Colin, Ainsley, Logan and Lincoln.

Seven years ago, Diane met the love of her life, Larry Newman, who brought her joy, comfort and companionship beyond anything she had ever known. Together, they built a life full of laughter, tenderness and shared dreams. Larry remained faithfully by her side through every moment.

A gifted and passionate creator, Diane poured her heart into sewing, quilting and crafting. She made quilts for the Quilts of Valor organization, lovingly stitched hats for newborns in local hospitals and created countless handmade pieces that will continue to warm the homes and hearts of those she loved. Her creativity was matched only by her generosity — she gave freely, helped quietly and touched lives in ways that will be felt for years to come.

Diane will be laid to rest with her parents on May 24, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. at Bethel Cemetery in Berkeley Springs, W.Va. — the place that shaped her, held her memories and will now hold her once more.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness and beauty. Her family takes comfort in knowing that her gentle spirit lives on in every stitch she sewed, every life she touched and every person who carries her memory forward.