WILMINGTON — Dianne Lee McAllister Atkinson, 65, of Scotts Hill, passed away on Monday, March 18, following a heroic 15-year battle with breast cancer.
Born in Springfield, VT, she was the daughter of Maurice (Mac) and Peggy Ann McAllister, and grew up in West Hartford, CT. In her early years, she spent summers working at YMCA Camp Jewell and time at her parent’s cottage on a lake in the Berkshires in western Massachusetts.
A graduate West Hartford, CT Conard High School, Elon College and Stetson University, Dianne served for over 25 years as a teacher, reading specialist and administrator in the Volusia County, FL School District. She was resident of DeBary, FL for over 30 years. A passionate advocate for breast cancer awareness, she was a founding member and past president of the Orlando, Florida Warriors on Water breast cancer survivor dragon boat team.
In retirement, Dianne and John traveled the US in their motor home, and moved to Scotts Hill, NC in 2019. Dianne loved dog agility training with her twin Jack Russell terriers, and discovered she was a very talented painter. She greatly enjoyed playing golf with her friends at Porters Neck Country Club.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother Robert McAllister.
Survivors include her loving husband of 43 years, John Atkinson of Scotts Hill, NC; son Brent, wife Tara and two granddaughters, Peyton and Charlotte of Vincenza, Italy; daughter Caroline and husband Brad of Bangkok, Thailand; son Scott and wife Yuri of Greenville, SC; nephew Greg McAllister, wife Kate, great nephews, Sawyer and Tucker of South Londonderry, VT; nephew Justin McAllister and wife Meagan of Rock City Falls, NY; brother Gary McAllister of Orange City, FL; Uncle and Aunt, Bob and Bea McAllister of Saugus, MA; and three cousins, Brenda, Pamela and Alison, and their families, all of Massachusetts; Elon College Phi Mu sorority sisters and many members of the Atkinson extended family in Pender County, NC.
A memorial service will be held Friday, March 22, 11am, at the Wesleyan Chapel United Methodist Church, 10255 US Hwy 17, Wilmington, North Carolina. The family will receive visitors and friends at Lee Hall immediately following the service.
