Yvonne “Diddy” Winslow

PORTLAND – The family of Yvonne “Diddy” Winslow are sad to announce the passing of their beloved matriarch. Yvonne Winslow, known to all as Diddy, was born on June 11, 1931, in Sabattus, Maine, to Durward Russell and Luciene Lampron Russell Gagnon. In her childhood, Diddy was known for being a good friend and scholar. She was spunky, opinionated, and a leader, even being named “The Bosses” in a photo in the school year book, alongside friend, Barbara Austin. Diddy attended Sabattus High School and was a proud student and graduate of the class of 1949.

Diddy met her husband Leon Winslow through a mutual friend, Alma Fisher. They began dating soon after Leon discharged from the Army and the two married on Oct. 25, 1952. Diddy and Leon were blessed with two children, who they raised in their hometown of Sabattus, and with 42 years of marriage before Leon’s passing. During much of this time, Diddy worked at Peck’s Department Store, Northeast Bank, and Advantage Payroll.

Diddy Winslow was the epitome of community. Over her many years, she was involved in numerous groups and organizations and she brought so much knowledge, help, care, and laughter to each. She effected change wherever she went and made others question, learn, and grow. Diddy was an active member of the Eastern Star Lakeside Chapter #60 and the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 135 for years, still dedicating time to them right up to the end. She contributed to both in any way she could, whether that be baking for a supper, writing and putting on skits, attending parades and social gatherings, meetings, and more. Diddy was also a charter member of the more recently established Sabattus Historical Society, attending meetings from day one, giving her oral history, and even self claiming her own committee- the membership and social events committee. Diddy was all about getting people together. Diddy loved her community and served it in countless ways. She was a school board member for many years, attended town meetings, and had a flair for town politics. The memory of Diddy Winslow putting together suppers at the KP hall for any community member in need, is a memory shared by many. Diddy was always the person others thought to call when they had a question or needed help. And she never failed to be there.

Diddy loved playing cards and trivia, being sharp at any game and filled with a plethora of facts and knowledge. Diddy also loved animals of all kinds and especially enjoyed watching birds which she regularly fed year round. She took joy in music and radio talk shows, gardening, sewing, and crafts. She never slowed and always kept busy.

There is an innumerable amount of people who Diddy Winslow touched in some way or another. Her spark, sly smile, laughter, jokes, sensitivity, and unsurpassable memory for everything, made her an amazing person to have the privilege to know. You felt special in her presence and left a better person. Though she will always be with them in heart, Diddy’s family will certainly feel the massive hole that this loss has created. Others will mourn their friend. And the community will grieve. But Diddy would want all to put on a smile, tell a joke, and keep on being and doing.

Diddy is a reminder to all to do good by your fellow neighbor, to look on the bright side, to have humor, to keep learning, to use your words and actions for good, and to live this blessed life for all you can.

Diddy was the kind of soul that you just always assumed would be there. She was an eternal being. She will be deeply and greatly missed.

Diddy is survived by her daughter Judy Bewley and husband John, her son Thomas Winslow Sr. and wife Suzanne, her grandchildren Joshua Stetson, Thomas Winslow Jr. and wife Stacie, Jessica Dean and husband James, Melissa St. Amand and husband Michael, and her great-grandchildren, Samantha Stetson, Cameron Bradley and husband Joseph, Tyler Desmarais, Owen Desmarais, Ethan Dean, Michael St. Amand Jr, and Matthew St. Amand.

Diddy was predeceased by her husband, Ralph Leon Winslow Jr.

Funeral services for Yvonne “Diddy” Winslow will be on Thursday, March 23. Visitation will be from 1-4 p.m., with a service at 4 p.m., at Pinette Dillingham Lynch Funeral Home on 305 Alfred Plourde Parkway in Lewiston 784-4023. A reception will follow at the Sabattus American Legion on 40 Island Road in Sabattus.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at http://www.lynchbrothers.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking donations in Diddy’s name be sent to any of the following non profits: Tommy’s Feral Feline Friends- PO Box 274 Greene ME 04236, the Sabattus Historical Society- PO Box 1174 Sabattus ME 04280, the Sabattus American Legion Auxiliary Unit 135- Attn. Joan Caron PO Box 76 Sabattus ME 04280, the Eastern Star Lakeside Chapter #60-

Attn. Linda Gray

2226 Augusta Rd

Bowdoin ME 04287

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