Dolores ‘Diane’ Geis, 94
Dolores “Diane” Geis, formerly of Carlisle, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2026, at age 94, from natural causes at the Rockingham County Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Brentwood, New Hampshire.
Diane was born in Oswego, New York, on May 15, 1932, to Agnes and Deo Garlock. She grew up on the shores of Lake Ontario, surrounded by treasured aunts, uncles, and cousins. Diane was feisty and strong-willed from the start, preferring to run wild after her older brother, Bob, and the neighborhood boys, swimming at “Big Rock,” and venturing out to the one-mile buoy on the lake, all while dreaming of becoming a cowboy.
Diane attended public school in Oswego, graduating with honors from Oswego High School in 1949. After graduating from Oswego State Teachers College in 1953, she met the love of her life, Norman Geis, on a blind date in Ithaca, New York, where Norm was attending Cornell University. Diane agreed to a second date after mistakenly hearing Norm say he was 22 instead of 20, too. They married in 1955, beginning a partnership that brought them three children — Norman, Leslie, and Jeffrey — and lasted 55 beautiful years.
Their marriage and Norm’s work took them to live and travel all over the country and the world. While they continued globetrotting throughout their life together, one of Diane’s most cherished adventures was the six weeks she spent in Sardinia, Italy, while Norm was testing missiles with Raytheon — leaving the children behind. Diane traveled to dozens of countries during her 94 years.
Diane was always an active and engaged member of whatever community she called home. She worked as an elementary school teacher in El Paso, Texas; led Scout troops for her children; showed up at their sporting events armed with a cowbell and bullhorn; cheered from the stands at Leslie’s dressage competitions; and canvassed for the Republican Party in Carlisle (sometimes enlisting her children, whether they liked it or not). She later worked as a substitute teacher in Kensington, New Hampshire; volunteered with Little Sisters of the Poor in Palos Verdes, California; and proudly led the Mother of Mercy People on Pensions (MOM and POPs) community in Washington, North Carolina. She was also a member of St. Michael’s Church in Exeter, New Hampshire.
Diane was the consummate entertainer and hostess with the mostest. An enthusiastic storyteller and fabulous cook, she spent countless hours in her kitchen creating elaborate gourmet meals and spreads for friends and family. Many recipes found their way to her table through her trusty Fannie Farmer Cookbook. She was also a renowned mixologist, always seeking inspiration from her Mr. Boston Bartender’s Guide. Friends and family will fondly remember hours gathered in her home, enjoying strong cocktails, good music, delicious food, hilarious stories, and even better company.
She had a passion and talent for gardening, a love that began in her youth when she and her mother grew Victory Gardens during World War II. The beautiful gardenscapes surrounding her homes reflected the many hours of hard work and joy she devoted to them throughout her life. Her love of living things extended beyond the garden: Over the years, her world included an assortment of beloved animals, from dogs and cats to ducks, guinea pigs, horses, and even a bull. Whether tending her garden or working in the kitchen, Diane whistled as she went. Her songbird melodies will live on in the memories of those who loved her.
Though small in stature at 5’2″ at her peak, Diane was a towering presence and, at times, a formidable one. She was a rabble-rouser who loved a good debate and never backed down from a fight. She delighted in shocking people and getting a rise out of them. As Diane herself put it, “I’ve always been a troublemaker. If I’m not making trouble, I’ll be dead in my grave.” She was the life of the party and truly one of a kind. Her zest for life, flirtatious spirit, and bright green eyes will be dearly missed.
Diane was predeceased by her parents Agnes and Deo Garlock; her brother Bob; and her beloved husband of 55 years Norman Geis.
She is survived by her son Norman (Vicki) Geis of Exeter, New Hampshire, her daughter Leslie (Gary) de Grandmaison of Auburn, New Hampshire, and her son Jeffrey (Blanca) Geis of San Pedro, California. She also leaves behind her grandchildren Austin Geis, Katie (AJ) Walker, Luis Martinez, Christopher Martinez, and Victoria Geis; and her great-grandsons Archie and Ozzie Walker.
A private funeral Mass will be held, with a Celebration of Life to follow at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Stockbridge Funeral Home of Exeter, New Hampshire.
To share a remembrance or a condolence on Diane’s tribute page, visit stockbridgefh.com/obits.
