York -Dianne Brown, With the comfort of the Holy Spirit and in company of her two sons. Dianne Brown passed away in faith to her eternity on January 30, 2018 . She was born on February 14, 1937 in South Shore Hospital to Barbara (Houder) and Guy W. Mellgren, Jr. of Hingham, MA. Country Way Nursery, the family business, provided her with many magical chapters that have enhanced her throughout life. It was at the nursery that she cherished the company of her wonderful step-mom Ruthie and her four siblings: Ken, Ernie, Marilyn and Thalia. From birth to age 15 summers were spent there ocean canoeing, swimming, hiking, horseback riding, artwork and archaeological fieldwork.
Wartime, 1941-1945, Lynnfield, MA: With rationing, Dianne and stepsister Laura would augment the diet by raising turkeys, geese, chickens, goats, pigs and horses (for transport). Mum and Father, Barbara and Nelson Latremore, enjoyed horse & buggy rides and sleighing in the winter on what was to become Route 128. A favorite destination was the Cider Mill, five cents for the sweet and ten cents for the "hard stuff".
1945-1950, Newington, NH: Happy times! Her first horse, riding all over town, graduating from the Stone School, swimming in the bay at high tide, raking for oysters on Swan Island at low tide and the little church.
1950-1956, York, ME: Summers were home at Rivercorral while waitressing the Old Anchorage (no Sun & Surf), the old Ocean House (good people), Libby's Campground fried seafood restaurant for Cora & Archie, and the Emerson House (saving for college). Also four years at Mr. Schroeder's York High School (the best!). Still kept in touch with half a dozen "kids".
College & Marriage: Studies at Dean Junior College, U. Penn, UNH and private art classes. After marriage she lived in Wilbraham, MA in their first home. Became a Mum to two dear boys in 1958 & 1962. Scott & Glenn have provided her with 10 grandchildren: Joshua, Brian, Ben, Jake, Lucian, Lollie withJacob, Amanda, Andrew, Christopher. All are "Youngs" living mostly in York County.
Mill Lane: In 1974, She designed and built a small timber frame home on Smelt Brook, an estuary of the York River. A timber frame barn was added later, becoming her art studio. Almost 400 architectural renderings, dozens of wood sculptures and several art classes originated here with the help of the Boston Symphony Orchestra in the background. Her retired Air Force husband Eric entered her life for 20 years, during which they dismantled a 1737 Cape Cod farm in Wells and rebuilt it on 18 acres in South Berwick. Only took them 16 years! Horsehair plaster or hardwrought nails anyone? After Eric's passing, a dear Brit Bernard entered her life while kayak shopping at Kittery Trading Post. A most happy 10 years of marriage followed by lots of overseas travel visiting his siblings and her cousins. Much horseback riding occurred there – pub to pub & church to church and even the "Great Park" at Windsor.
Thank you to all good friends who shared any part of this lifetime's journey. Blessings to all! Memorial donations can be made to the music program at New Castle Congregational Church, 65 Main Street, New Castle, NH 03854. Services will be announced at a later date.Online condolences may be made by visiting www.jspelkeyfuneralhome.com.