Hazel Diffin

SOUTH PORTLAND — Hazel V. Diffin, 89, of South Portland, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017, at the Odd Fellows’ & Rebekahs’ Home of Maine, where she had been a resident for the past three years.

She was born in Portland, Nov. 13, 1927, the daughter of Roland C. and Myrtle (Thompson) Lothrop. She attended local schools and graduated from Deering High School.

In 1946, she married her husband, Leo Diffin, and together they raised their five children.

Hazel was a 70-year member of the Odd Fellows’ and Rebekahs’ service organization, joining when she was 18, to follow in her mother’s footsteps. During that time, she served as the recording secretary for over 50 years, and president of the Rebekah Assembly in 1984–85. She was a member of the board of trustees and long-range planning committee, and was key in carrying out her husband’s vision of adding the nursing facility to the existing Odd Fellows’ & Rebekahs’ Home of Maine.

She not only served locally, but also was actively involved at the state level, serving as secretary for many years, and attending every International Rebekah Assembly until health no longer allowed it.

She was involved in the Christmas committee, always decorating the facility and buying gifts for the residents. She received the Meritorious Service award and the Decoration of Chivalry award.

That was not her only passion, however, as she made bus trips to Arlington National Cemetery in May to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier over 20 times. When she wasn’t serving the lodge or on a trip, she found time to work at Maine National Bank for over 15 years, where she served as an executive assistant.

But if you knew Hazel, you would know that her true love and passion was for her children, grandchildren, and great-grand-children; she loved each and every one dearly.

She is survived by her children, Wayne Diffin of Robbinston; Ronald Diffin of Fryeburg; Douglas Diffin of Robbinston; and Gayle Albin of South Portland; a sister, Donna Watkins, of Oakland; 14 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband in 1987; her oldest son, Gary Diffin in 1971; and a sister, Carolyn Lothrop.

Visitation was held Friday, Feb. 3, at Jones Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, Portland. A funeral service was celebrated Saturday, Feb. 4, at the funeral home, followed by a committal service at Woodlawn Cemetery in Westbrook.

You may offer condolences online at: www.jonesrichandbarnes.com