HUBBARDSTON, Massachusetts — Diane C. Pulkkinen, aged 73, passed away peacefully, May 26, 2025, in Worcester, Massachusetts. Born September 4, 1951, in Rockland, Maine, Diane touched the hearts of all who knew her.

Diane was the daughter of Dorothy C. (Ballem) Bunker of Hubbardston and the late Albert M. Bunker. She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph Pulkkinen, with whom she shared a lifetime of memories and love. Diane's legacy continues through her devoted daughter Heidi Jo Pulkkinen of Hubbardston; her sisters, Linda M. Bunker of Hubbardston (and Sadie) and Catherine L. White of Missouri, as well as her lifelong friends, Doug and Bernie Curtis of Bellingham.

She was predeceased by her daughter Michelle D. Pulkkinen.

Diane also leaves her uncle E. Vance Bunker of Maine as well as several cousins, nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, and very good friends.

Diane started lobstering at an early age with her father and cleaning cottages for her grandmother on Matinicus Island. She held several jobs throughout her life that led up to her work as a Classroom Aide and then Secretary at the Henry P. Clough Elementary School, where she felt that she could make a difference in people’s lives. Her warmth and dedication to the students, parents, and staff were evident in her daily interactions. She was not only an employee but a friend and confidante to many, embodying the spirit of community and compassion.

Those who knew Diane will remember her as a loving, kind, thoughtful, and quick-witted individual who loved her family, her dogs Sidney and Sofie, her home on Matinicus Island, her friends, lobster, lighthouses, and puffins. Her ability to listen and offer honest words and encouragement was a comfort to many. Diane's presence was a source of joy and her smile, a reminder of the goodness in the world.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025, from 4 - 6 p.m., in the Buma Funeral Home, 101 N. Main St., Uxbridge.

Friends and relatives are also invited to a celebration of Diane’s life, Tuesday, June 17, 2025, from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St., Rockland. A committal service will be held at 1:15 p.m. at Matinicus Island Cemetery. Travel to Matinicus will be available via the MV ‘Sunbeam’, departing from the Rockland Ferry Terminal at 11 a.m. and will return at 6:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Matinicus Cemetery, C/O Matinicus Plantation, P.O. Box 198, Matinicus 04851 (make sure to note Matinicus Cemetery Fund in memory of Diane Pulkkinen), or Maine Seacoast Mission, 6 Old Firehouse Lane, P.O. Box 600, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662.

To share a story or memory with Diane’s family, please visit her online Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.