Diane "Aunti Di" Lennon-Danforth Obituary (1956 - 2025)

South China - We are deeply saddened at the loss of our beloved Diane Lennon-Danforth. She passed away unexpectedly on June 22, 2025, at her residence. She was only 69 years old. Diane was born on January 16, 1956, in Waterville, the daughter of the late Dearld and Dorothy Lennon. Diane or as many knew her, “Aunti Di,” lived life to its fullest. She exemplified spirit, enthusiasm and positivity. Even with the many losses her short life gave her, she continued to be a bright light for so many. She grew up in Waterville and graduated from Waterville Senior High School. She then went on to obtain her AS in Criminal Justice from the University of Maine Augusta. Her next move was to Washington, DC, where she lived and worked for 6 years. She held positions there in an International Law Firm as well as working closely with Senator Edmund Muskie on Capitol Hill. She missed home deeply and returned to her roots where she spent many years working in the law firms, Nale & Nale and Laney & Susi. She then transferred her talents to the world of Workers’ Compensation where she shined as a claims adjuster for such places as MGA Insurance, Dirigo Insurance and MEMIC. Diane continued and finished within the workers’ compensation field as a mediator for the State of Maine Workers’ Compensation Board. Diane loved her community. She had been an election clerk since 2004 and was a long-time volunteer for China Community Days. She was the instrumental volunteer in incorporating the annual scavenger hunt for this celebration. Aunti Di loved a great scavenger hunt. She was also a notary and officiated countless weddings within her community, her friends circle and her family. She had a gift of making each of them uniquely special. She loved the outdoors and being in her garden. Her harvests always brought a smile to so many as her gift baskets of all the items she canned were among the best gifts we received. She was that perfect blend of sweet and sassy. One day she would be driving her motorcycle and the next dressed in the most perfect suit and ready for the office. She was always game for a fun time. She was preceded in death by her husband of almost 40 years, the love of her life, William “Billy” Danforth; her two younger brothers Gary and Dearld Jr. “NuNu” Lennon and older sister, Bonnie St. Peter as well as her parents. All whom she missed dearly. Her memory will live on by so many who loved her. Diane is survived by her nieces Bridget Jabar, Tanya Lennon, Nikole Luce, Bobbi-Jo Rodrigue and nephews Scott St. Peter and Timothy Lennon. All with whom she shared a special bond with as they each experienced deep losses with her through the years. She is also survived by several great nieces and nephews, her stepdaughter Jena and her husband, Shane and step-grandsons Ethan and Brody. Her extended Danforth family as well as her special friend Paul Fecteau. She also left behind her beloved dogs, Frappy and Annie Mae. A celebration of life will be held later in the summer, and her family will be sure to let everyone know of those details. Please consider making a donation in Diane’s name to China Community Days c/o China Town Office, 571 Lakeview Dr., China, ME 04358 or Waterville Humane Society, 100 Webb Rd., Waterville ME 04901. There are no words that can express how grateful her family is to all whom have reached out and to those who have helped since her passing. A heartfelt thank you to Aunti Di’s dear friends Joni Oxley and Nancy Wood. Your guidance and support have meant the world to us. We all understand why you were so special to our Aunti Di.