Diana Louise Laughlin

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Diana Louise Laughlin on September 24, 2024. She was born on February 17, 1934 in Portland, Maine to Ruby Reeves Laughlin and Robert W. Laughlin. Diana attended South Portland Schools, and the University of Maine at Orono. She graduated from the Massachusetts General Hospital Dietetic Internship in 1958. She worked as a dietician at Massachusetts General Hospital for over 30 years and lived in downtown Boston for most of her adult life. She loved her life and her work in Boston. She especially enjoyed strolls through the Boston Commons and Gardens, the Swan Boats, and showing visitors around her city. She was a dedicated fan of the Red Sox and Patriots. One of Diana’s great loves was to travel. She enjoyed visiting many countries throughout Europe and Asia, and explored Mexico and the US. Her two special destinations were Nantucket and Great Diamond Island where she enjoyed life-long treasured times with family and friends. Diana cherished her connections with her many friends and family. She was a dedicated card sender and religiously kept track of every birthday, anniversary and holiday over the years. She had a gift for making and maintaining special relationships with the people who were important to her. Diana was a beloved sister, aunt (DiDi), and friend to many people from all eras of her life. Her grace and perseverance in the face of a longtime illness, her caring spirit, sense of humor, and beautiful smile will be long remembered. Surviving are two sisters, Edith Yonan, of Portland, and Jean Vachon, of South Portland, and a brother, Robert Laughlin and his wife Jane, of South Portland; three nieces, Lisa Doocy and her husband Paul, Debra Fournier and her husband Tom, and Bonnie Laughlin and her partner Kevin; and three nephews, Scott Yonan, Jon Yonan and his partner Betsy, and Gordon Eaton and his wife Dawn. She also has many great nieces and nephews who were very special to her, as well as many cherished friends. Special appreciation and love to Kathryn Ragalis, Theresa Byrne, Martha Lynch, Martha Neu, Judy Manola, Betty Berry, Lee Bockman, and Chelsea Stevens, for their friendship, support, and invaluable help over the years. There are many more who have touched her life and for whom she was so grateful. The family thanks the many caring professionals who assisted Diana in the last few years at Falmouth House, Comfort Keepers, Seaside Healthcare, and Compassus Hospice. There have been many who have been outstanding and treated her with dignity, love and compassion; we give you our heartfelt appreciation. In lieu of flowers we would like to suggest a donation to the MS society in Diana’s memory. There will be a memorial service on Thursday, October 17 at 1:00 at the First Congregational Church on Meetinghouse Hill in South Portland.

Diana Louise Laughlin

February 17, 1934 - September 24, 2024