Diane Dutton

Diane Dutton passed away quickly November 15, upon a relapse while bravely rehabilitating from a recent illness and overall health conditions. During her time in the hospital and thereafter, she was ensconced by her children and grandchildren and all their love. Diane was determined to get back to independence and never go to the hospital again. Family and loved ones are comforted to know she is now at peace.

Diane was born in Mexico, Maine to parents George and Alberta (Bertha) Allen. She had five brothers and two sisters, Annie, Robert, George (Junior), Joan, Norman, Jim, and Richard. She grew to be resilient, outdoor-loving and athletic, played basketball and joined the ski club, even skiing at Tuckerman's Ravine. Diane graduated from Lewiston High School in 1956, then completed nursing school in Cambridge, Massachusetts to become an LPN.

In 1961, Diane married the love of her life, Dana ("her Danny") Dutton. They settled in Winslow; Dana was employed as a manufacturing engineer at Keyes Fibre Company and Diane a nurse at Thayer Hospital, later MaineGeneral. Together they were loving and nurturing parents of four daughters: Karen, Nancy, Rosalie (Rose) and Linda. Diane was a very protective mom, thwarting all manner of dangers and rescuing kids stuck in backyard mud or up a tree. She was a big believer in putting the girls outside every day for "fresh air cheeks" regardless of the weather. To this end, there were numerous family camping and Sugarloaf ski trips, later cross-country skiing for miles, and every year lots of ice skating. Though cooking was not her forte, she was known for her delicious "heart attack" eggs at breakfast, lobster stew and baking favorite cookies or desserts for Danny and each kid, even after all grown and starting their own families.

Then came the five terrific grandchildren – Dana, Patrick, Bridget, Shelby and Chloe. Diane was smitten immediately and showered so much love and pride in each one, frequently visiting, babysitting, joining on trips, going to school events or recitals, having them stay with her at home, camping or at a beachside hotel, making or buying special foods or treats (waffles, whoopie pies . . .)

In her nursing career, Diane was a well-respected colleague and friend, staying connected to many for the remainder of her life. She often referred to herself as a bedside nurse, committed to the direct care of patients and loving it. While her official retirement was in 2001, she actually continued nursing on a per diem basis into 2007, then immediately joined the hospital volunteers, working several more years in that capacity.

Diane also volunteered for various charities over the years, notably The Salvation Army and the Maine Lung Association, both biking in and directly supporting the "Trek Across Maine" for years. Along with husband Danny, she also gathered donations for the Lung Association and biked the entire "Trek Across Holland".

Diane was predeceased by her husband in 2005. This was a huge loss; she could not allow herself to live fully without her Danny, who she had been so devoted to caring for as his illness sadly progressed. However, she did take much comfort from her border collie Bleu, her summers relaxing lakeside at Green Valley Campground and her beloved trips to the Maine coast, especially Bailey's Island. Later, she was given a miniature beagle named Winnie, and the two of them formed quite the lasting bond!

Diane was treasured by friends and family for her casual nature, her playful sense of humor--which was almost conspiratorial, that twinkle in her eyes, and her readiness to have some fun. She had become an avid football fan, rooting loudly for the Patriots and her favorite football players over the years. With her Danny, she had been to lots of Nascar and Indycar races, and for fun, she still picked drivers to follow each season, including this year, then sent texts when they won. Mostly, she loved it when the house was full of family having fun together with her. AND Diane still knew her own mind and was well able to stand her ground on matters important to her, family or friends. She will be missed deeply.

Diane is survived by all four of her daughters and her five grandchildren, their spouses and partners, two of her brothers, Norman and Jim, as well as Godchildren Gildace, Cheryl and Kelly.

Her family would like to thank all the caregivers at MaineGeneral Hospital and Mt. Joseph's Waterville skilled nursing unit, as well as the Northern Light Home Health providers and the staff at Goudreau's Retirement Community involved in her care and comfort throughout her journey these past few months. In addition, we especially want to thank Kim, Betty and Peg, as well as her close friends, who all provided amazing personal support for her continued independent lifestyle and overall wellbeing.

Visitation with family/celebration of life will be determined at a later date and added to this memorial when established.

Arrangements are under the direction of Gallant Funeral Home, 10 Elm Street, Waterville, Maine. An online guestbook may be signed; condolences and memories shared at www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Diane's name may be made to either the Maine (American) Lung Association at www.lung.org/donate, or the Humane Society Waterville Area, 100 Webb Road, Waterville ME 04901