Heidi Martha DiPhilippo

Born on August 19, 1938, Heidi was the second of five children born to James and Charlotte (Fairbanks) Johnson. She grew up on Munjoy Hill in Portland and spent many summers on Peaks Island, memories she often recalled as some of the happiest of her childhood. She attended Portland schools and graduated at the top of her class from Portland High School in 1956. While at Portland High, she served as co-captain of the cheerleading squad alongside her sister Joan. After high school she began her career as a secretary with the telephone company.

At age eighteen, Heidi met the love of her life, James A. DiPhilippo. They married in 1958 and celebrated 68 years of love, devotion, and partnership this past June. They began their life together on St. Lawrence Street in Portland and soon started a family. By 1966, they had welcomed five children: Eddy, Anthony, Maria, Jimmy and Joey.

In 1969, Heidi and Jim moved to West Falmouth, where they purchased an old farmhouse that would become the heart of their family for more than five decades. Heidi loved being a homemaker and gardener and transformed the house into a warm and beautiful home. She devoted herself completely to her family and created an environment filled with love, laughter, encouragement, and acceptance.

An extraordinary mother, Heidi encouraged each of her children to pursue their own interests and dreams. Whether attending baseball games, basketball tournaments, swim meets, ballet or piano recitals, she was always there. Through both her words and her example, she taught her children the values of honesty, integrity, kindness, and hard work. Her strong faith in God guided her throughout her life, and she remained a devoted Catholic.

Heidi was known for her grace, elegance, and impeccable sense of style. She always looked lovely and enjoyed shopping almost as much as she enjoyed wearing her latest find. Her many passions included gardening, dancing, cooking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Over the years, she worked alongside her family at their restaurant and was also employed at Caron Charles Dress Boutique and family-owned Eddie's Variety. Whatever the task, Heidi approached it with determination, energy, and attention to detail.

Heidi was blessed with twelve grandchildren and one great-grandchild, each of whom held a special place in her heart. Being "Nana" was among her greatest joys. She treasured every opportunity to spend time with her grandchildren and rarely missed a school event, sporting competition, concert, birthday celebration, or holiday gathering. The grandchildren especially cherished their special days with Nana, creating memories they will carry with them forever.

Heidi and Jim enjoyed traveling together throughout the United States and abroad. They spent every summer at Ward's Cove on Sebago Lake alongside best friends, the Pompeos, where the family has had a cottage since 1966. As her children grew up, they purchased adjacent cottages of their own to create a family compound. The lake was one of Heidi's happiest places, a setting for generations of family memories and traditions.

Heidi will be remembered most for her kindness, gentle spirit, unwavering devotion to her husband and family, and the example she set for all who knew her. She made everyone feel welcomed, loved, and valued, and her legacy lives on in the family she cherished so deeply. Her family finds comfort in knowing that the love, values, and traditions she nurtured will continue for generations to come.

She was predeceased by her parents, James and Charlotte Johnson; her sister, Joan; her brother, Jimmy; and her beloved son, Anthony. Heidi leaves behind her devoted husband, James; her children; Edward (Kathy Onos), Maria (James Ascanio), James (Rhonda Mandarelli), and Joseph (Lynda Judge), her grandchildren Josie, Jenny, Tommy, Nick, Mike, Jamie, Bella, Bridget, Jess, Bri, Angie and Joey and great-grandchild Francesca; her siblings Pam Branfuhr and Jeff Johnson; and countless relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.

Family and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation from 4-7pm Monday July 20, 2026, at Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St, Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday July 21, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, 72 Federal St, Portland. Interment will follow in the family lot at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. If so desired, contributions may be made in her memory to St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, 72 Federal Street, Portland, ME. 04101. Those who wish to send a tribute in Heidi’s memory may do so at www.JonesRichandBarnesFuneralHome.com