DIANE RUTH CARLSEN PAGE

DIANE RUTH CARLSEN PAGE BURLINGTON - Diane Ruth Carlsen Page, 50, went to her savior Jesus Christ Feb. 4, 2011, in Fletcher Allen Health Care, where she had undergone surgery Feb. 2. Strong and in good spirits, and only minutes after chatting with family members on the phone and showing photos of her beloved children to medical staff, she lost consciousness abruptly and died soon after. Diane co-organized the Hallelujah Chorus flashmob at the University Mall this December, just one of many ways she inspired her world while every day fighting her juvenile diabetesA dedicated mother, she taught her three children faith, responsibility and a love for learning. Diane was born Sept. 26, 1960, the fourth child of Clarence and Helen Ann (Soper) Carlsen. The family soon moved from New Jersey to a log cabin in the Adirondacks in Pottersville, N.Y. Good with both power tools and calculators, she graduated near the top of her high school class and studied engineering and horticulture at UNY- Canton, receiving an associate's degree. Her first marriage produced a son, Timothy. She was a stunning blondhaired single mom when she met her future husband in the food line of a church dinner. Shortly after marrying Nov. 24, 1990, they co-founded the North Avenue News. At her initiative they adopted two African-American children and helped other families do the same. Her advocacy helped create a new state program for at-risk young adults. In 1999 she received a kidney donated by a stranger, the first such procedure permitted in the northeast. Upon recovery she homeschooled her two youngest children. With faith, brains and persistence the "Norwegian Princess" overcame leg and toe amputations, a heart attack and a major lung infection, and other, less visible pain. Her last nine months were a wonderful Indian summer of good health, recommital of wedding vows, forgiving love, violin-playing, and a deepened relationship with Christ. She leaves husband Guy Page of Cambridge and their three children, Tim of Fort Dix, N.J., and Joe and Imani of Cambridge; her parents of Wilton, N.Y.; sister Linda Everett of Underhill; sister Judy Williams and husband Bob of Gettysburg, Pa.; brother Steven Carlsen and wife Sue of Burlington; and many other relatives. She was predeceased by her brother Glen in July 2010; and by beloved grandmother Helen Edwards. Visiting hours will be 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2011 in the fellowship hall at Cambridge United Church, Rte. 15, Cambridge. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10 at Jericho Congregational Church, 3 Jericho Center Circle, Jericho Center. In lieu of flowers please bring to visiting hours or service, school supplies and children's vitamins for Barner School in Manila. Interment will occur in the spring. The family invites you to share your memories and online condolences by visiting www.awrichfuneral homes.com. "Oh, what a beautiful mornin', Oh, what a beautiful day<$>.great is thy faithfulness, O God my father."