WARREN — Diane Esther (Lunden) Laing passed away unexpectedly at her home in Warren, on November 7, 2023. Born October 23, 1944, in Rockland, Maine, the daughter of Charles and Esther Lunden, she was the oldest of two children.

Diane lived most of her life in Warren, where she and her husband, Joe Laing, raised their family. Diane was immensely proud to be a life-long Mainer but was even more so of her Finnish heritage on both sides of her parents’ ancestry. She embodied the Finnish spirit of Sisu, which roughly translated into English, means determination, strength of will, and perseverance in the face of adversity. It was, and is, a remarkable trait in which she lovingly (and stubbornly) passed on to her daughters and grandchildren.

From her early childhood and throughout her entire life, Diane enjoyed the great outdoors whether it be young adventures with her brother, Kenny, to cross-country skiing, kayaking, or hiking with Joe and the girls, or fly fishing in Cape Breton during the latter years of her life. She was always most content when recreating or working outside at her farmhouse on Wottons Mill Road or at the family camp on Nicatous Lake.

Diane was a lifelong educator in many different forms. She graduated from Warren High School, the University of Maine Farmington, the University of Southern Maine and began her teaching career in 1966. After two years, she took a break to care for her two daughters, Jennifer and Kristi, and did not return to teaching until 1975. During her 26 years in SAD #5, Diane taught grades two and three, served as coordinator of the K-6 Gifted Education program, and was director of regional and state Destination Imagination meets. She was also director of a children’s voice choir, secretary for the Teacher’s Association, served on the executive board, and taught numerous teacher workshops pertaining to gifted children. She was often recognized by her former students when she was “out and about” in town and had her mother’s knack for remembering everyone’s background stories and connections in the local communities.

Diane and Joe raised their two daughters, Jennifer (Jenni) and Kristi at the farmhouse on Crawford Pond, and over the years, managed to raise a veritable menagerie of different creatures ranging from chickens and rabbits to cows and horses. While the barn no longer exists, the memories and lessons learned from those experiences have carried forth in the work ethics and sense of responsibility in her children and grandchildren. Additionally, Diane passed on her love of cooking, knitting, quilting, gardening, kayaking, and hiking to her daughters and her grandkids. She will forever be renowned for her Pulla (sweet Finnish coffee bread) and her lobster stew.

After her husband of 33 years, Joe, passed away in 2000, Diane found a lasting relationship with John Pushaw, also recently widowed. Diane and John shared an interest in real estate and fly fishing for salmon on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia and maintained their companionship through retirement years until their deaths (one week apart).

Diane is predeceased by her parents, Charles and Esther Lunden; husband, Joseph Howard Laing III; nephew Kurt Lunden; and brother, Charles Kenneth (Kenny) Lunden, Jr.

She is survived by her daughter Jennifer (Jenni Brooks) and husband Gerald (Jerry) of Union, their children Julienna of Sullivan, New Hampshire, Laurel Oosterveld and husband Andrew of Cambridge, Ontario, Jerin and partner, Caleb Emerson of Hallowell; daughter Kristi Atherton and husband Russ of Center Barnstead, New Hampshire, their children Cole and wife Alexandria (great grandson, Lee) of Pittsfield, New Hampshire, and Jordan Atherton of Loudon, New Hampshire

Additionally, Diane is survived by her sisters-in-law, Jane Grohs of Camden, Marlene Lunden of Union; many beloved Harjula family members; special cousins, Pamela Spear, Eileen Partanen, Sharon Kolb, Jean Whalen, and several close nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express a heartfelt thanks to the most incredible neighbors, up and down Wottons Mill Road, who, over these many years, have provided Diane with friendship, laughter, support, and everything that can only be shared by neighbors in rural Maine. Immeasurable gratitude to you all.

While it can be said that Diane lived her entire life on Wottons Mill Road in Warren, having been raised about a mile from the farm that she and Joe purchased in 1970, those who knew her, also understood what a rich, colorful, and robust life she led from start to finish. Her legacy can best be seen in the lives of the students that she impacted and the incredible attributes of her grandchildren, all of whom came home from near and far to honor and celebrate her next adventure into the great unknown.

Somewhere a sauna is lit and toasty, the scent of pine lingers heavy in the air, and animated conversation and laughter echo amongst the birch trees.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to the Finnish American Society of Midcoast Maine, P.O. Box 293, South Thomaston, Maine 04858.

To extend online condolences, or to share a story or photograph, please visit Diane’s Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.