Ada Sue Diamond

Ada Sue Diamond, aged 89, passed away in her home, surrounded by loved ones, on Monday July 21, 2025. She was born on December 18, 1935, in Plattsburgh, NY, to Dr. and Mrs. John Stafford McDowell. Ada Sue graduated State University College of Education at Plattsburgh in 1957 in with a degree in Home Economics—a field that would become her lifelong passion and career. In 1961, she married Richard B. Diamond and in 1962 they moved to Bennington, Vermont. Her husband encouraged her to fulfill a lifelong dream, and she earned her pilot’s license flying in their Cherokee Cessna. Ada Sue taught 7th and 8th grade sewing and home economics at Mount Anthony Junior High School for over 25 years, a career she was proud of. In 2006, at the age of 70, she fulfilled another dream by opening her tea shop, Tea ‘n Tarts. She was an active member of the Second Congregational Church in Bennington and loved singing in the choir and sharing fellowship. Above all, she was a devoted wife, mother and friend.

Ada Sue is survived by her daughter, Margae Diamond, her granddaughter, Sofia Berryhill and longtime companion Allan Siegel of Bennington, Vermont. She is predeceased by her husband, Richard B. Diamond.

Family, friends, and others whose lives Ada Sue touched are invited to a Service of Remembrance at 4 p.m. on Friday, August 1, at the Second Congregational Church (115 Hillside St, Bennington, Vermont). A gathering in the social hall will follow. Contributions in Ada Sue’s memory may be made to Second Chance Animal Shelter (1779 Vermont Rt 7A Arlington VT 05250) or Second Congregational Church.