Diane C. Bourassa Obituary (1934 - 2022)

Skowhegan - Diane C. Bourassa, 88, passed away on December 3, 2022 with her loving family by her side. She was born in Madison, Maine to Vital and Corinne (Richard) Cyr. She was a 1952 graduate of Madison Memorial High School. Following the loss of her first husband, Ted Hilton, at a young age, Diane waitressed at local restaurants to support their five daughters, whom she taught to be independent, strong and always show up to help anyone in need. There were lessons in cooking, sewing and taking care of a home. It became a team effort with the help of Diane’s parents. Nana was in charge of religious teaching and GiGi was an example of unconditional love and steadfastness. Our Mom’s door was always open where you could find a cup of tea and a listening ear. Friends left with a sense of encouragement and renewed hope, no matter what challenge they were facing. She loved cooking and sharing recipes with everyone and entertaining guests in her home. We will always remember the many Christmas gatherings following midnight mass with family and friends. If Mom was found sitting, she was knitting. What started out as a necessity to provide mittens for her girls and the neighborhood children, became a full time hobby. She knit thousands of four-needle mittens and created beautiful window pane mittens. Along the way we were blessed with beautifully designed wool sweaters. Later in life Mom hand braided and hooked rugs for her family. Whenever she displayed her work in local fairs, she won countless blue ribbons. Mom loved to dance and one night, 35 years ago, she met her husband Clifford. He wasted no time proposing to her and it was a whirlwind courtship. They travelled together to visit his daughters and son with their daschund, Oscar in tow. Clifford loved Arizona and they did settle there for a few years, however, Mom’s heart was in Maine with her family and friends, so after becoming ill, they returned to make their home in Skowhegan. Diane is predeceased by her parents, her brother John, her first husband and father to their five daughters Edward “Ted” Hilton, grandson Justin and sons-in-law Toby and Richard, as well as several Aunts and Uncles, cousin Jake and special friends Betty, Beverly, Joyce and Virginia. Diane if survived by her husband Clifford; her five daughters and husbands, Dawn and Bob, Cindy, Jane and Steve, Leisa, and Anita; special niece, Elizabeth; 10 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her 4 step children, Michael, Donna, Karen and Sheila; and special friends Allen and Janet. A graveside service will be held in the Spring of 2023 at St. Sebastian Catholic Cemetery in Madison. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Smart and Edward funeral Home, please visit www.SmartandEdwardsFH.com to share condolences and memories.