Diane Spaulding Hopkins

On Friday, September 5, 2025, surrounded by family, E. Diane Spaulding Hopkins, 89, Falmouth, ME, passed peacefully and reunited with her beloved son Jeffrey Paul.

Diane was born on March 3, 1936, in Lowell, Massachusetts, to Parker and Shirley (Floyd) Spaulding. She often spoke of the love and laughter she enjoyed while working and playing on her grandparents' (Gertrude and Carl Floyd) farm in Londonderry, NH, where she summered as a child. Diane moved to Dryden, ME and attended Wilton Academy where she was an active member of the drama and debate clubs and was especially proud of her time on the school's baton and majorette team: top of the pyramid, of course! The family then moved to Kittery, ME and, when not at school, Diane worked beside her dad at his store, Spaulding's Shop & Save. Early adulthood brought Diane to Gardiner, ME, where she found work at the State House in Augusta. It was there she met, and later married, Donald W. Hopkins and soon they moved their growing family back to Dryden. Diane was content being a mom and homemaker, not only to her own six children, but to those of the neighborhood as well. Diane helped raise a village and developed many lifelong relationships doing so.

Diane joined a handful of friends who shared her love for the performing arts and, in the late 1960's, started the Sandy River Players theater troupe in Farmington, ME. She enjoyed all facets of community theater: set-design, make-up, lighting, costumes, and her favorite: acting. Diane let her true personality shine on stage, and she starred in plays including Jack Popplewell's Dear Delinquent (which she directed), James Reach's The Girl in The Rain, Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap and John Patrick's The Curious Savage to name a few. Life's adventures took the family to Richmond, Virginia in 1970 and Diane continued with her love of theater. She was particularly proud of her portrayal of Margaret, the house maid in Clarence Day's Life With Father. Diane brought her character to life in a semi-professional, nightly, dinner-theater production. She continued performing throughout her life, often surprising her family with random local auditions and performances. Diane also enjoyed writing and painting and could always find serenity curled up with a good book. She instilled her appreciation for art, in all its forms, in her children and grandchildren.

Diane returned to Wilton, ME to raise her family. She took tremendous pride in her children and, as a single mom, she worked tirelessly at various administrative jobs and waitressed part-time to provide for them. Her strong work ethic and ability to overcome diversity with independence, integrity, honesty and compassion were inherently passed on to her children. After the tragic loss of her youngest son, Diane decided to conquer a dream that she had tabled while raising her children. At age 44, she enrolled in college. In 1985, she earned her BA in Psychology from the University of Maine, Farmington and became a licensed social worker. She worked for the Franklin County Community Action Program and guided numerous single moms as they navigated through their struggles. Helping people was Diane's nature. Not only did she support the community through her vocation, but she also offered her personal support to anyone she encountered. With open arms, whether it be hugs, listening ears, shoulders to lean on, meals on the table, coats for the cold, or a roof over their heads, Diane's heart and home were always open to those in need. She continued raising her village.

Following 10 years in social work, Diane followed her migrating family to Southern Maine. She worked in Human Resources for the City of Portland and was an intake specialist for Creative Works, an organization supporting adults with intellectual disabilities. Diane was most proud of her final professional accomplishment: establishing the office of Casco Bay Rehabilitation where she ultimately retired as Practice Manager.

Retirement afforded Diane the time to spend with her grandchildren. They were a continuous source of joy, and she spent countless hours 'ramming' the roads between Western and Southern Maine, making every effort to attend as many sporting events, recitals, birthday parties or school functions as she could. Whether it was sleepovers at the foot of her bed; swimming, ice cream and sand-castles at Ocean Park beach; making puppy-chow and cooking with kids on chairs; blanket forts; driving to the Weld 'Castle' for a picnic; creating art of all forms; making and wearing tin foil hats (yes, even for the guinea pig); or talking about everything and nothing at all; Diane made sure her grandchildren were showered with love, happiness and, of course, a little silliness. She was a Momma, Nanny, Nina, Nanny-Hop, Great Gran-Gran, Mommy-Hop, and friend. Above all, E. Diane Spaulding Hopkins was an example of love.

Diane's legacy of love will be carried on by her children David Hopkins of Portland, Kimberlee Mazzaferro of Bowie, Maryland, Donald (Skip) Hopkins and partner Patty Barth of Gorham, Tracy Hopkins of Falmouth, and Stephanie Hopkins and her partner Carl Berry of Wilton; Grandchildren Ryan Shibol, Benjamin and Skylar Cushing, Lucas (Darby) Goodwin, Sara (Kevin) Moore, Hanna Goodwin; Parker Thibodeau, Olivia Hopkins-Barth; Great-Grandchildren Timothy, Lyla, Jonan, Toran and Aurora; and her cousin Roberta "Bobby" Mattia of Connecticut. She was predeceased by her son Jeffrey Paul and her son-in-law Timothy Goodwin.

To honor her love for an adventure, the family will be taking Diane on one last leaf-peeping tour followed by a celebration of her life. Friends are asked to join the family on Sunday October 12th at the Farmington Elks Lodge, 120 School St., West Farmington, Maine from 1:00-4:00. Please bring memories to share if you wish. We will celebrate all of Diane's favorites: Life, Love, and Laughter and will of course have music. Diane loved LeeAnn Womack's song I Hope you Dance. It truly embraces Diane's inherent desire to spread happiness. The family encourages all who loved Diane to give that song a listen and remember: When you get the choice to sit it out or dance......DANCE!

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Southern Maine Agency on Aging (smaaa.org) or Hospice of Southern Maine (hospiceofsouthernmaine.org).

Private interment will follow at Lakeside Cemetery in Wilton.