BREWER – Dianne Elizabeth Van Dyke, 65, passed away Nov. 12, 2007, at her residence, after a tough battle with declining health. She was born Oct. 6, 1942, in Meriden, Conn., the daughter of Cleon Moses and June Elizabeth (Burrill) Smith. I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. Dianne was the proud custodian of Pumpkin Farm, Corinna for 11 years. She loved her time at the farm, caring for her wonderful horses and all the great family gatherings. Dianne had a vast knowledge and was an avid reader of books, with Morgan horses her favorite. Once she over came her fear of flying, she enjoyed traveling all over the world to places such as Saudi Arabia, England, Paris, France and Las Vegas. Dianne will be dearly missed and was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and a friend to many. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, John Van Dyke of Brewer; three daughters, Rhonda Tomah and husband, Harry, of Wells, Traci Miller and husband, Brian, of Wells, and Karen Van Dyke of Dover, N.H.; a son, Douglas Benway and wife of Fairfield, Calif.; a dear sister, Ellen Smith Thomas and companion, Gordon Engstrom, of Bangor and Dover Foxcroft; a brother-in-law, Ronald E. Thomas of Franklin; grandchildren, Philip and Ashley Tomah, Joshua Van Dyke, Lara and Morgan Miller; very special nieces, Heidi Dorr and Ami Simbari; great-nieces and great-nephews, Gabby and Izzy Simbari, and Connor Dorr; several aunts and uncles, and many friends too numerous to mention. She was also survived by her two favorite horses that will miss her immensely, Punkin and BJ; her dog, Number 9; and her cat, Lucy. Friends are invited to call 1-2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, at Brookings-Smith, Clark-Piper Chapel, 55 South Main St., Brewer, with a celebration of life service to begin 2 p.m. with the Rev. Grace Bartlett, pastor of First Congregational Church of Brewer, presiding. Those who wish to remember Dianne in a special way may make gifts to the Bangor Humane Society, 693 Mount Hope Ave., Bangor, ME 04401. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.
DIANNE E. VAN DYKE
