Dianne M. Fichtel Mayo

Calling hours will be held Friday, March 10, from 2-4pm and 6-8pm in Brandon Funeral Home, 17 Main St. Ashburnham, MA 01430. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 11, from 1-4pm at the Fisher-Watkins Dining Commons, Cushing Academy, School St. Ashburnham, MA 01430.



Dianne Mayo Fichtel is a wife and mother. The present tense is required because it will always be true. She loves her son, Lucas Fichtel, more than any one can love anything. She loves her husband, Bob Fichtel, because he is the kindest person she knows, and has big beautiful blue eyes. She leaves them in one entity to join them in another, as pure love and happiness. Ever since she was born in Fitchburg, MA, the daughter of Edmond and Margaret (Gumbleton) Mayo, Dianne has been an avid student of life. She attended St. Bernard’s High School, and went on to attend Mount Wachusett Community College and Becker Junior College where she graduated with a degree in Banking and Finance. Her true brilliance however was found later on. As her friends will tell you; Dianne loves to entertain. A consummate cook with a talent for decorating, she makes every event one to remember – with passion, vigor, and style. In 1997, Dianne became the vegetarian chef and hostess of Merriam Hill Holistic Retreat in Greenville, NH and later Springhill Retreat in Ashby, MA. In 2003, she and her husband purchased 82 Main Street in Ashburnham, MA where she was able to pursue her dream. Here she designed and oversaw the complete renovation of their 1907 Shingle style home, and established MainFare Bed & Breakfast. In 2010 Dianne joined Trader Joe’s. Her job title was Crew, but she was more appropriately deemed “Work Mom”. Gratitude encompasses Dianne. She feels positively grateful for her life; her adored son and husband; her siblings Kathy, Donnie and Jim; her nieces and nephews, family and friends; for companion animals; for flowers and HGTV; for people watching on the porch – as each person is a world; for Pub Cheese and Charles Shaw Wine; for live music, The Beatles, James Taylor, and Bob Dylan. Dianne now lives in a wonderful place, where she socializes, dances, gardens and reads to her heart’s content. Music, laughter and love are guarantees. The food is delicious; and you never gain an ounce. She left detailed instructions for her family and friends to celebrate her life, which has now been completed. This is what she said: That when you least feel like it, do something for someone else; when friends or family encounter hardship, be the first to lend a hand; that our love for others must be outwardly shared and our compassion acted upon; that if we had no winter here in New England, spring would not be so pleasant; that it is indeed later than we think; that time is a myth and all that is true is the present – that when you need me, put your arms around anyone and give them what you need to give me.

As Dianne is a voracious reader, and former President of the Trustee’s, contributions may be made on her behalf to the Steven’s Memorial Library, 20 Memorial Drive, Ashburnham, MA 01430.

If you see the sun today, stand in it for a while. Smile when people you treasure walk into a room. Hug your mother. Kiss your wife. Let them see your eyes light up. Again and again. And again.