Obituary
view guestbook | sign guestbook

Diane Renee Hollister

Date of Death: April 23, 2021

Date of Birth: October 31, 1969

Biography:

Diane Renee Hollister, 51 of Topsham went home to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 23, 2021 after a 3-year battle with cancer.

Diane fully embraced life and inspired family, friends, and new acquaintances alike with her boundless energy, creative and brilliant mind, selfless service, devotion to family and friends, and love for her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She grew up in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, graduated from Northwestern Lehigh High School and then Messiah College by the age of 20, and then immediately earned her Masters degree. A self-proclaimed "math girl", Diane taught basic and advanced math and statistics courses at several schools and colleges in Pennsylvania and most recently taught online courses for U.Maine. She was employed by Pearson Education, serving as a Mama Llama to a close-knit team of faculty advisors passionate about pedagogy. She travelled extensively for work, developing lifelong friendships from the many seminars and conferences where she presented.

Outside of her busy professional life, you'd find Diane on her bike during sunny days, hiking trails with her family across Maine, teaching Sunday School, reading and hosting book clubs, becoming the "second mom" to so many children of friends and family, volunteering at the food pantry, crocheting and embroidering, sending handmade cards, but her most joy came from baking and cooking for her family and guests who always felt at welcome at her home. Diane loved traveling to new places, learning new things especially around science and history. She loved celebrating her Pennsylvania Dutch heritage and traditions, including a rousing game of Dutch Blitz. She faithfully participated in the Goshenhoppen Folk Festival in Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania for many years with her children and family. Like Jesus, Diane poured her compassion on everyone she met, putting their needs before hers. She had a special heart for helping the broken or battered souls, generously giving of her time and resources, and using her God-given gifts to encourage and support others. She never let her hardships or challenges in life define her, rather she rose above it all and fought the good fight. She has run the race that God has set before her with endurance, and without a doubt, heard the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Well done, Diane."

Diane is survived by her husband, Edward, her children Nathan Hollister of Pennsylvania, Emily Hollister, and Susan Hollister. She is also survived by stepbrother Vernon Burkhardt and wife Cathy of Pennsylvania, sister-in-law Ellen Burkhardt of Pennsylvania, brother Lee Burkhardt and wife Lorann of Monmouth, sister-in-law Susan Carter and husband, Drew, brother-in-law Dave Hollister, uncles Lee Burkhardt, Bill Wolfgang, Joe Wolfgang, aunts Sarah Heffner, Alice Wolfgang, Suzy Davis and many cousins, nieces, and nephews, and her beloved pup, Cuddles. She was predeceased by her parents, Vernon and Nancy Burkhardt, and her stepbrother David.