Diana Lynn (Dezotell) Day

Diana Lynn Day died in her sleep on Sept. 3, 2023, in her home, following a long struggle with dementia concurrently with bulbar-onset ALS. She was born on Nov. 14, 1952 in Morrisville, Vermont, the daughter of the late Darrell A. and Shirley L. (Farrand) Dezotell.

Diana graduated from North Country Union High School, Newport, Vermont, in 1970, and from Eastern Nazarene College, Quincy, Mass., in 1974. At E.N.C. she met fellow history major Paul Day; they were united in marriage on Dec. 18, 1976, during a blizzard in Newport, Vermont. The couple moved to Chicago, Illinois, and Twin Lake, Michigan, as Paul completed seminary training. They then moved to Clear Lake, Washington, where their daughters, Catherine, Meredith, and Allyson were born. They returned to New England to Worcester, Mass., where Diana earned a M.Ed. in Special Education from Worcester State University. In 1997 they moved to Portland.

Following college graduation Diana worked in banking, and as a substitute teacher and tutor. After receiving her M.Ed. she worked in several private and public schools in Massachusetts and Maine. In 2017 she retired after spending 19 years as the Special Education Consultant Teacher at Scarborough Middle School. She always said how much she loved her middle schoolers!

Diana will be remembered for her warm smile, her compassion and caring. Her principal often told her that she was “too nice.” Throughout the years Diana was also active in the churches where Paul was pastor, teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, and participating in the Women’s groups. Diana enjoyed being with her family and friends, the family dogs and cats, music, reading, and opportunities to travel.

Diana is survived by her husband, Paul, and daughters, Catherine (Michael) Day-Hirsch of Valley Cottage, NY; Meredith (Matt) Miller of Gorham; and Allyson (Catherine Harrington) Day of Toledo, Ohio; five grandchildren, Henry, Cecelia, and Samuel Miller, Cameron Day-Harrington, and Anderson Day-Hirsch; and a brother, Steven (Rhonda) Dezotell of Haysville, Kansas. The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice of Southern Maine for the care they gave to Diana.

Calling Hours will be held 5-7 pm, Tuesday, Sept. 12, at A. T. Hutchins Funeral & Cremation Services, 660 Brighton Ave., Portland. A Memorial Service will be held 11 am, Wednesday, Sept. 13, at the First Congregational Church, 15 High St., North Berwick, Maine. A private interment will be held later at Evergreen Cemetery, Portland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Congregational Church, P.O. Box 565, North Berwick, ME 03906; or to PSL Services/STRIVE, 28 Foden Rd., South Portland, ME 04106.

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