Irene Charlotte Diffin

Perry – Irene Charlotte Diffin, 86, passed away Saturday, June 4, 2011 at Calais Regional Hospital with her family by her side. Irene was born in Robbinston on July 11, 1924, the twelfth child to Alfred and Ella (Greenlaw) Warren. After attending the Robbinston and Calais area schools, she married Ronald Diffin. Irene worked for Seaboard Packing Co. in Robbinston from 1941 – 1943, at which time she became employed at Calais Regional Hospital as a nurse’s aide for over 16 years. In later years she enjoyed being a Senior Companion, receiving the Governor’s Service Award from Gov. Baldacci. Irene was active in the Perry Congregational Church, the Women’s Fellowship, and the local sewing club. She enjoyed sewing, gardening and spending time on her computer. In addition to her parents, Irene was predeceased by her eleven siblings; and two grandchildren, Albert Diffin and Ronda Bishop. Surviving are her three children, Philip Diffin of Perry, Kathryn Bishop and her husband Herbert of Perry, and Linda McLellan and her husband Charles of Big Lake Township; 15 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and her feline companion, Blackie. A celebration of Irene’s life was held on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at the Sewall Memorial Congregational Church in Robbinston. Burial followed in the Brewer Cemetery in Robbinston. Donations in Irene’s memory may be made to the Senior Companion Program, 5717 Corbett Hall, Room 304, Orono, ME 04469, or to the Sewall Memorial Congregational Church, c/o Helen Brooks, 440 US Route 1, Robbinston, ME 04671. Arrangements by Mays Funeral Home, Calais & Eastport.