SANFORD – Diane Lasante Fortier, 78, passed away on June 15, 2024. Diane was a kind and gentle person who was much more comfortable lifting others up rather than being the center of attention. She laughed at all your jokes, listened without judgement, and made you feel like you were one of a kind. Diane met her beloved husband, Bob, while still at St. Ignatius High School. They married after she graduated and started a family right away. Her children Anne-Marie, Renee, Peter, and Angela were a never-ending source of pride and joy. But her grandchildren were the light of her life. She was blessed with Emily, Elizabeth, Abigail, Caroline, Isabel, Aiden, Olivia, and Ella. Diane was the best Memere. She did everything from watching her grandchildren at a moment’s notice to attending numerous sporting events and concerts to making every birthday and holiday so special.

Diane was an excellent baker and made everything with a great deal of love. She would even use the toes of her infant grandchildren to crimp her homemade pie crust. Diane’s gentle calmness drew every animal she met to her. She loved her dogs, cats, grand dogs and grand kitties very much and they simply adored her. Diane was also an avid gardener, tending to her flowers and plants many hours each day. Her home was tastefully decorated with beautiful bouquets of flowers every spring and summer.

Diane held many jobs over the years. Her last position was as a toll collector at the Maine State Turnpike Authority. Her grandchildren thought she had the most fantastic job and all of the dogs that drove through her lane always enjoyed a little treat. She was also an accomplished seamstress and worked side by side with Bob at Alexson’s Cleaners making perfect alterations for their customers.

Diane was never one to immediately jump into adventure. However, Bob was and she willingly followed. They wintered in Florida for many years, made several trips to Hawaii, traveled to Europe, and visited China. Throughout all of these travels she made sure to find thoughtful and unique gifts for her family and friends.

Diane was born in Sanford Maine and was a communicant of St. Ignatius until 1997 when she and Bob moved to Wells. They attended St. Mary’s in Wells where Diane volunteered in many capacities. She especially enjoyed working at the annual church fair and baking delicious treats for the Ignatian spiritual retreats. When Meals on Wheels needed a volunteer, Diane stepped in by preparing as much food as needed on any given day.

Diane was predeceased by her parents, Edgar and Etiennette (Langlais) Lasante, her dear sister Paulette Forbes, her beloved son Peter, and her loving husband Bob. In addition to her children, grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, Diane is survived by her brother Paul Lasante.

A private ceremony will be held for immediate family.

Arrangements are in the care of the Carll-Heald and Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale. To view Diane’s memorial page or share an online condolence, please visit http://www.blackfuneralhomes.com.

Copy the Story Link

« Previous

Obituary: Dr. Howard Manning Chase

Next »

Obituary: Dennis Maitland Hoey