Obituary of Diane K. Whitten

DIANE K. WHITTEN, 63, passed away at her residence in Northport on June 2, 2011. She was born in Boston, Massachusetts on January 17, 1948 to William L. and Dolores (Black) Knight. Diane attended Boston University and became a registered nurse and pediatric nurse practitioner. In 1976 she moved with her husband, Dana, and daughter, Beth, to Belfast where they opened a pediatric practice now known as Belfast Pediatrics. Later on, Diane moved on to the Women & Infants Department at Waldo County General Hospital, then worked for Waldo County Home Health until becoming the Belfast Public Health nurse where she gave care to the community until her death. She kept busy in her spare time with gardening, cooking and enjoying food with her family. She had a passion for digging clams and held her own lobstering license. Diane was the first female selectman in the history of the Town of Northport. She was a member of the Northport Volunteer Fire Department serving as the safety officer and was on the Parrish Council at St. Francis of Assisi Church. One of her greatest pleasures in life was spending time with her grandchildren. She is predeceased by her siblings, Arlene, Susan and Andrew. Diane is survived her parents, Dolores and William Knight Sr.; her loving husband of 39 years, Dana M. Whitten, M.D.; her daughter, Beth Whitten Anderson and husband Joe of Northport; her grandchildren, Cameron, Elliot and Dana; her siblings, William Knight of Florida, James Knight of New Hampshire, Timothy Knight and wife Brenda of New Hampshire, Maryann Knight-Ekberg and husband Eric of Massachusetts; many nieces, nephews and cousins as well as a community of friends. Friends and family are invited to call on Sunday, June 5th from 4-6 p.m. at Crabiel-Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Avenue, Belfast. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, June 6th at 10 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Court Street, Belfast with Fr. Chris Piselli officiating. At Diane’s request, in lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial donations in her memory to Waldo County Home Health, PO Box 407, Belfast, ME 04915.