Diane Joyce Hughes

Diane J. Hughes (69) of Blueberry Fields – Brunswick, Maine – was called home, passing peacefully and comfortably at home in her sleep, during the evening of August 5th into August 6th. She did not pass due to any obvious ailment(s), or known illness.

Diane Joyce Hughes [Langelier] was born February 28th, 1956, in Lewiston, Maine to Lionel “Nel” Langelier and Claire Langelier [Croteau]. Diane was raised in a loving home and community with her three sisters Louise (Grimmel), Jane (Kremer), and Lee (Webber). Growing up, the Langelier’s were surrounded by friends and family in the French-Canadian community of Lewiston-Auburn and were frequently surrounded by the companionship and love of family and friends. Often spending summers near the water with them, playing cards, eating well, and constantly in contact to ensure all were all well and taken care of. Early life was spent helping with their mother and father’s store and later restaurant ventures, learning great skills in French cuisine and cooking, business skills, and most importantly people-skills.

Diane, living a beautiful life, was able to accomplish many great things. She worked many years in customer service, from becoming an integral face of local community small businesses to becoming a brilliant Client Relationship Representative retiring from Wayfair in 2021. Her main passion in life was being ever present in the lives of those she loved and those she served. This adept ability to tap into what people needed was present in business, personal life, and with any person she met – never “knowing a stranger.” She had an uncanny ability to connect with anyone and for them to confide in a way that many couldn’t with those already in their lives. She didn’t just listen, she cared. Trying to help or find solutions through connections in any way she could.

Diane found passion in many things in her personal life. An avid reader and someone with an eye for beauty in the finer things in life. She often found the time that so many let slip away, spending it with loved ones in presence or in conversation on the phone. She had an ability to see beauty in nature, taking time to slow down and witness the little things from each day. A fan of crafts, she always found ways to engage in her passions by working with ceramics, painting, quilting with friends, and an eye for design, among many others. However, her greatest joy was her family. The fiercest mother, ensuring her kids were well represented, even when they presented her with challenges. More than just her immediate family, she took the time to be present with all her sisters, cousins, nieces, nephews, parents, children, and grandchildren. Her heart seemed to have no limiting capacity for the love for others and looked to provide for others in ways they could not find on their own. She was a shining example of what we should all strive to provide our community and family with love and understanding.

Diane grew up in the Lewiston area and by September 7th, 1974, started a new step of life by marrying Gerry Goulet, of the same community. Within the next four years Diane and Gerry welcomed a beautifully strong baby girl on May 10th, 1978 – Andrea J. Goulet. Later separating, Diane raised Andrea with Stephen. The three parents happily continued to co-witness and spend time with their daughter as she raised her amazing family with their son-in-law Noah J. Doran. Starting with the birth of Delanie Norah Doran (2010) and the addition welcoming Greyson James Doran (2013). Diane was elated to have them in her life and did all she could to help with their raising, spending most of her free time with them.

A later relationship found Diane with a locally stationed naval man, Stephen Hughes of Hazlet, New Jersey. They married April 23rd, 1983. After five years, Diane and Stephen welcomed their humbly kind, quick-witted son on August 17th, 1988. They raised and later blissfully co-parented Sean S. Hughes until Stephen’s passing in 2015. Diane was able to joyously witness and participate in the raising of her son and daughter-in-law Danielle Hughes’ two daughters. Marcella D. Hughes (2021) and Magnolia J. Hughes (2023) were welcomed by their family. As she did with all her grandkids, Diane was able to grace the family by helping to raise her grandkids and spend all her time in Maryland with them.

Diane did not make friends; she made familial extensions. Throughout her years in Lewiston, those later in various places around the U.S. on military moves, Diane continued to leverage her ability to relate, listen, welcome, and be present to get close with many. Almost all remained in close contact with her throughout further moves and over long distances. She had a way of remaining present and connecting after times like it had only been just yesterday. She did not call these friends; they were a part of the family. They were welcome at any time, and she would look to the next moments they could be together.

Diane Hughes now takes her call home to be welcomed by many who predeceased her. Including parents Lionel “Nel” and Claire Langelier, former husband Stephen Hughes, nephew Brandon Brooks, granddaughter Delanie Doran, many in-laws, cousins, friends, loved ones will bid her welcome in the next realm. As a person fond of the love of animals, she will be graced with the reunion of many previous dogs and cats sitting on the rainbow bridge, as well.

Those who wish to join in celebrating the life and legacy of Diane Hughes are invited to join the family on September 13th, 2025, in Harpswell, Maine. The moment will be hosted by the Cranberry Mountain Events venue from 1PM-4PM. A grazing fare to include culinary sliders, appetizers, and refreshments to fuel conversations and stories reflecting on Diane will be offered by catering company Iris Eats Maine, also of Harpswell, Maine. Family will receive guests, share in their company, and enjoy the memories of Diane’s life and achievements during this time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making donations to Special Surfers of Maine in Diane J. Hughes’ name. Donations can be made here:

https://www.specialsurfer.org/donate.html

While Checks can be mailed to Special Surfers at P.O. Box 752, Saco, ME 04072