Ashfield, MA – Dianne Ruth Dickinson Field, 84, passed away at home with her devoted family by her side, on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
She was born February 15th, 1942 to Cecil Merton (d.2004) and Marion Jane (Hibbard) Dickinson (d.1953). Dianne was educated in Whately schools, graduated from Frontier Regional High School, 1959, and Franklin County Public Hospital School of Nursing in 1962.
She worked at Green Meadows Nursing Home, Farren Memorial Hospital and Baystate Franklin Medical Center retiring in 2004.
Dianne married Douglas Merril Field of Ashfield, in 1964. Dianne is survived by three daughters; Kristine Herdman, Suellen (Dennis) Bellows and Deborah Field; four granddaughters and two great grandchildren. Also, her sister Jean Olanyk, brothers Richard, David Dickinson and Tony Contakos. She was predeceased by her brother Bill and brother-in-law Tom Olanyk.
Dianne was a member of the Junior Ladies Circle and Ladies Circle. She led and assisted with leading the Ashfield Girl Scout groups when her daughters and granddaughters were interested. She co-directed Ashfield Ambulance from 1983 to 1989 with her husband Doug, later serving in the Ashfield Fire Fighters Auxiliary. She served in the Hilltown Churches Food Pantry before COVID hit. Dianne was an avid knitter and knit many hats and mittens for Sanderson Academy and New Haven (CT) Veterans Hospital as well as knit socks, sweaters and lap blankets for family and friends. She loved to read and could often be seen with a book in her hands.
Visiting hours will be Thursday, May 28, from 4 to 6 pm at the Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home, 40 Church St., Shelburne Falls.
All other services will be private.
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