Diane Elaine (Hamel) Bishop, 72, died May 4 at Maine Medical Center, Portland. She was born in Bath on March 9, 1941, the daughter of Arlene (York) and Leo Hamel.
Diane graduated from Morse High School, Class of 1959. Soon thereafter, in 1960, Diane married her high school sweetheart and soul mate, Raymond Arnold Bishop Sr. Diane was a member of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls (IORG), and was active in both the Cub Scouts and Brownies with her children. She participated in many events with the Bodwell Grange and the Small Point Baptist Church, of which she was a member for several decades.
Diane worked for 30 years with the U.S. Postal Service, with all of her service dedicated to locations in the Town of Phippsburg. She and her husband Ray lived in Lisbon Falls for many years, and had recently sold their home to return to Phippsburg to care for Diane’s elderly parents.
Her favorite pastimes were spoiling her husband, cooking new and exceptional dishes, gardening, and working with her church, both on the Prayer Chain and as an active member. Diane focused her high energy and unconditional love on friends and family alike, with tender acts of kindness for everyone. She also enjoyed traveling cross country, yard sales, and especially her pets – both domestic and the wild ones (like her turkey brood).
Diane was predeceased by her parents, Arlene Dortha (York) and C. Leo Hamel.
Diane will be sorely missed by her beloved husband of 53 years, Raymond Bishop Sr.; children, Raymond “Ramie” Bishop Jr. and wife Angela, Jay Bishop, Jeffrey Bishop Sr., Valerie Bishop, Shane Bishop, and Jody Durisko and husband Matthew; brother, Jim Hamel and wife Linda; 10 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews, all of whom were very dear to her.
Visitation 4-6 p.m., Fri., May 10 at the David E. Desmond & Son Funeral Home, 638 High St., Bath. Celebration of Diane’s life 2 p.m., Sat., May 11 at Small Point Baptist Church, Phippsburg. Committal service will follow at Morningside Cemetery, Phippsburg. A reception will follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Small Point Baptist Church, 1754 Main Rd., Phippsburg, ME 04562 or the Phippsburg Fire & Rescue Assn., PO Box 83, Phippsburg, ME 04562.
To share your thoughts and condolences with Diane’s family please visit www.desmondfuneralhomes.com.
