Diane Dalton

The gale-force wind that was Diane Dalton shifted to a whisper on October 10, 2026. Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, friend and caregiver, Diane passed away peacefully, at the age of 83, surrounded by her family.

Born on July 8th, 1943 in Winthrop Massachusetts, Diane was the daughter of the late Peggy and Midge Sawyer. She met her husband, Robert “Bob” Dalton, in high school, and they were married in 1965. Together they built a loving family and raised three children, Kevin, Kerry and Pam.

Exceptionally intelligent, kind, and determined, Diane had a lifelong passion for helping others. After graduating at the top of her class from the Newton-Wellesley Hospital School of Nursing in 1964, she dedicated 51 years to caring for others as the Director of Nursing at the Maine Veterans Home and Mid Coast Senior Health Center, along with volunteering at Gosnell Hospice House. Her life was characterized by resilience, compassion, and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of those around her. Her intelligence, wit, and unmistakable spark made her a force to be reckoned with.

Outside of her work and caregiving, Diane had a deep love for the ocean and treasured her time on the water with her family. She was a devoted grandmother who cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Diane was a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Portland, Maine, and found enjoyment in life’s simple pleasures, including trips to the casinos. She and Bob shared a love of travel, embarking on many wonderful vacations abroad and creating lasting memories they would treasure for years to come.

In addition to her parents, Diane was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, Robert “Bob” Dalton; her son, Kevin Dalton; her sister, Carol Norton; and her brother-in-law, Michael Norton.

Diane leaves behind her daughters, Kerry (Mark) Daly of Scarborough, Maine, and Pam (Chris) Davis of South Berwick, Maine; her daughter-in-law, Merilyn Dalton (partner, Millard Nadeau), of Windham, Maine; her eight beautiful grandchildren, Ian (Kayla), Courtney, and Joseph Daly; CJ, Tucker (Christina), and Mackenzie Davis; and Andrew (Courtney) and Meg Dalton; and her great-grandchildren, Lilian and Lane Daly. She also leaves behind many adored nieces, nephews, cousins, and kin. 

Diane’s legacy of love, strength, determination, resilience, and compassion will be carried forward by those who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be remembered for her fierce spirit, her sharp wit, her generous heart, and the unmistakable presence she brought into every room. She will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

A celebration of life will be determined at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to:

Gosnell House, 11 Hunnewell Rd, Scarborough, ME 04074 or St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 678 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04103