Dianne Marie Fisher, age 72, passed away peacefully at home on June 3, 2020 after a long illness.
The daughter of the late Harold Bruce Fisher and Eugenia “Jana” Grace Fisher, she was born, raised and educated in New Bedford. Dianne has always been the quietest of her 11 sisters and 3 brothers. She had a heart to give to others often and in many ways. She enjoyed word puzzles and picture puzzles of all kinds, constantly played ‘Candy Crush’ and enjoyed updates of family and friends on Facebook and loved listening to gospel music. She cherished her daily duty to take care of her nephew Kamryn after school and any other time she could. She made her displeasure known if she was not asked to watch him or any of her other nieces and nephews.
She first worked at Cornell Dubilier Electronics as an assembler of electronic components and was later employed as a housekeeper at Bedford Village Nursing Home until her retirement. She said, although she was a housekeeper, she enjoyed spending time with the residents whenever she could. She had a caring heart for people.
When she committed herself to something she gave 100%. She was dependable, trustworthy and faithful to whomever and whatever she involved herself. She has proven this to be true as a devoted Christian who served as Deaconess, Church Board Member, Prayer Intercessor, and Hospitality Minister at ‘In The Name of Jesus Church’ for 13 years and up to her final day. Throughout her illness, she was very strong in her faith, trust and love for God.
Dianne was a member of William H. Carney Lodge #200, of New Bedford. She respected, valued and loved her fellow members. They held a gala celebration in her honor in 1998 for her loyalty and dedication of almost 30 years, back then.
She joined Susan A. Sullavou Temple #94, I.B.P.O.E of W, in 1971 and faithfully served in several seats including Assistant Vice Daughter Ruler, received her P.S.P. in 1985 at Hartford, CT. She was a member of the Oret Leborah Liberty Council and received Elkdom’s highest honor, and was collared P.G.D.R. in New Orleans, LA, in 1996.
Dianne thoroughly enjoyed serving as a foster grandparent to the children of P.A.C.E. through Coastline Elderly Foster Grandparent Program. She would not miss a day, even when her illness caused her physical challenges.
She was very happy to be “a Fisher”. Her bond with her family was deeper than deep and she would often say she loved and was thankful for her family. She loved her daughter Valerie with all her heart and would be overprotective of her even as an adult.
Dianne is survived by her daughter Valerie Ann Fisher and her partner Kimberly Ann Thompson.
Surviving siblings are Harriet Duarte, Victoria Houtman, Audrey Wynn, Pastor Leona Fisher, Alan Fisher and his fiancée Donna Sylvia, Anna Williams, Denise Fisher-Rose, Anita Fisher, Jeffrey Fisher and his wife Laura, Carolyn Fisher, Pamela Fisher and her companion Wallace Miranda, Jr., and Angela Fisher and her companion Leon Gomes.
She is predeceased by her brother Bruce Fisher and sister Lydia Bascom. Of her many aunts and uncles, only one aunt survives, Elizabeth Grace (99), wife of John P. Grace her mother’s brother. Most recently, on May 10, 2020, her last surviving uncle, Antone “Toi” Grace (93) passed away, also her mother’s brother.
Dianne has cousins, numerous nieces and nephews (great and great-great). She loved every one of them and was always happy to spend family time.
Our family extends heartfelt gratitude to New England Hospice for the exceptional care, compassion and professional integrity they provided. Dianne was treated as royalty and was very happy with Nurse Jodi Fisher-Rose and her team of professionals - namely, Melissa, Heather, Michelle, Stepanie, Leslie, and Chaplain William Wildman.
Special thanks to Saunders-Dwyer for serving our family with kindness.
Due to current restrictions on public gatherings, Dianne’s funeral services will be private. For online guestbook, visit www.saundersdwyer.com.