Dianne “Deedee” Rice Conover passed away peacefully on September 16, 2024, with her four children surrounding her. She was 89.

Deedee was born to Meldon and Elizabeth Rice in Portland, Maine on May 28, 1935. She grew up in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts with her mother, father, and older brother Don. The family’s business required the family to move around New England, and Deedee always seemed to make friends and become part of the community. Several of her lifelong friends recall Deedee’s unique ability to smile, be friendly, and have a positive attitude throughout her life. She studied physical education at Springfield College where she graduated in 1957, then worked as a teacher in Burlington, Vermont. She met her husband of 52 years while skiing at Stowe, Vermont. The two built a life together, shared an excitement for adventure, and raised four children in the hills of western Massachusetts and the coast of Maine. Connie and Deedee were well-matched and remembered fondly as a wonderful couple!

Deedee prioritized raising her children, volunteering at numerous non-profit organizations, and contributing to her community in many ways. Her work included serving as a field hockey referee, on the ski patrol, teaching a decision-making class, and volunteering for Partners for World Health, which culminated in an influential trip to Africa. She enjoyed participating in Camden’s Monday Club, the Pen Bay YMCA, and the yacht club.  She was an active member of a variety of knitting, writing, and reading groups. She liked to create art, write, knit, and travel. Her interest in sailing and skiing brought her around the world. Adventures included sailing across the Atlantic and throughout Europe, biking in the Italian Alps, and skiing in the Rockies. 

One significant moment that signifies her empathy for animals, was when after swimming in the ocean Deedee was followed up the beach by a rare whale on Curtis Island. She consoled the mammal as it passed, looking deep into its eye. Her connection to the ocean was strong throughout her life. She had a special fondness for whales, horses, and dogs- Louie being her recent constant companion. 

Maine was home to Deedee and a significant number of her ancestors. She felt most connected to Curtis Island where she served as caretaker for 42 years (1980- 2022) for the town of Camden. She felt blessed to be able to live on the island, in nature, tending her garden, interacting with visitors, and ensuring the green light was shining. The island was her sanctuary, and through her stewardship, the island was kept in tip-top shape. Often she could be seen completing chores, keeping watch on the bay, or swimming, including across Penobscot Bay at the age of 81 in support of LifeFlight of Maine.

She spent her final years at her home on Sea Street. Family and friends constantly visited her, offering support and in return received the warmth and love of her heart. Her love and compassion were felt by her close friends and extended to many others in the community. Special thanks to her caregivers, a team whose kindness helped fulfill her desire to live at home with dignity.

She is survived by her brother, Don, and her four children: David (Beverly), Sue (John), Jen, and Pete (Andrea), and nine grandchildren Emma, Will, Lydia, Simon, Cedar, Ethan, Elli, Charlie, and Olive.

A celebration of her life is planned for June 21, 2025 (summer solstice) on Curtis Island, Camden, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Curtis Island Lighthouse Foundation (https://www.curtisisland.org/) or Partners for World Health (https://www.partnersforworldhealth.org/)