Diane Tillson

It is with tremendous sorrow and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Diane Marie Tillson who passed away on August 3rd, 2026 at the age of 64. Diane was a beloved mother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, and pillar of the community, serving for many years in her work as a hairdresser.

Diane was born in Albany, New York and moved to Vermont at the age of six where she lived with loved ones. She was the daughter of Howard and Shirley Gardner and grew up with her brother and two sisters in their family home. Diane graduated from South Burlington High School in 1980 and pursued a career in cosmetology, which led to her establishing her own hairdressing business in the year 2000 where she provided services out of her home for over 25 years.

Diane was always passionate about her work and saw it as more than just an opportunity to style hair, but rather as a chance to invite people into her home, swap stories with them, lend an ear, and to provide a welcoming and supportive environment to all who entered her life. Diane placed the happiness of others above all else as she strived to be as hospitable as possible to any and all. Due to her illness growing more severe the past few months Diane was unable to carry out her passion, but she had continually maintained a goal of being able to do so. In order to honor this, Diane was brought back to her salon where she passed peacefully on the morning of August 3rd, surrounded by her loving family.

Diane was predeceased by her parents Howard and Shirley Gardner, her grandparents Leon and Myrtle Breault, as well as Edward and Beatrice Gardner. Diane is survived by her two children Ashleigh Tillson and Austin Lalumiere. Her vivacious spirit was also supported and survived by John and Nancy Gardner; their children Darren, Justin, and Rebecca Gardner; Deb Gardner; Lynn and Mike O’Brien; their children Stacy O’Brien Goodrow, Jennifer Campbell, and Chris O’Brien, as well as TJ, Madelyn, and Geoffrey. The tragedy of her loss will be felt by each life she touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that all who knew Diane take a moment of reflection to embody her hospitable spirit and reach out to someone in your life who may be in need of support or simply someone to talk to. Additionally, any contributions to C.I.D.E.R in her honor would be welcome as the program strives to connect and help those in need, which is a principle reflective of the very essence of Diane.

Services will be held at Minor Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Milton on Saturday August 15th, 2026 from 4:00 - 6:00 PM with a dinner reception at the funeral home following.