Betty L. Dion, 94, of Holyoke, MA, died Wednesday, November 23, 2016 in the Soldier's Home in Holyoke. She was born in Midland, MI on December 4, 1921, a daughter of Albert and Edna (Huber) Haney. She had been a resident of Holyoke for the past several years. Mrs. Dion completed her basic training in Des Moines, Iowa, served in the WACS for two years, and the rest of her military service in Texas where she met her future husband Robert. "He came across the room, placed a ring on her finger, they started dating, and married three months later." She lived in Derry, NH for several years, where she was a communicant of St. Thomas Aquinas Church, as well as living all over the country. Mrs. Dion enjoyed gardening all her life, sewing, and being a talented mom. She was a passionate artist, and enjoyed drawing and painting with watercolors.
She is survived by her children, Robert R. Dion and wife Maureen of Stowe, VT, Paul A. Dion and wife Cathy of South Hadley, MA, Linda Anne Holbrook and husband Barry of Manchester, NH, and John S. Dion and his significant other Debra of Chicopee, MA; six grandchildren, Shiloh and Marriah Dion, Scott, Jason, Jessica, and Jeremy Zebrowski; three great grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews; she was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Robert H. Dion; as well as her siblings, Elizabeth, Viola, Rowena, Geraldine, Richard, Russell, Earl and Leo.
Following cremation, a graveside service was held on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at 1:00pm at Holy Cross Cemetery, Gilcreast Road, Londonderry, NH. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Soldier's Home in Holyoke, 110 Cherry St., Holyoke, MA 01040. The Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry is assisting the family with arrangements.