AUGUSTA – Dianne L. Cates, beloved wife of Gerry and loving mother of Kristi, Zak and Darrin, died peacefully on Jan. 7, 2024 at MaineGeneral Hospital in Augusta with her devoted daughter and caregiver Kristi, Kristi’s husband, Patrick, and other loving family members at her side.

Dianne was born March 17, 1944 in Waterville, the daughter of Wardell and Leontine (Poulin) Rancourt. After graduating from Mount Merici Academy, Dianne, along with her brother, Al, and cousin, Roger, formed the folk group, The Kin Three. “One successful appearance after another…rocketed this talented trio to outstanding popularity in Maine their home state.”

Dianne was gifted and well known for her beautiful, sometimes angelic singing voice, her gregarious personality, her love of song which she delivered “with love and humor,” and her quick wit. In the early 1960s she, Al and Roger toured Maine and beyond, singing messages of peace and hope to the coffee house clientele, college students, senior living residents, church congregations, etc. In the mid ’60s the trio was chosen to represent the State of Maine at the World’s Fair in New York, an opportunity that all three performers cherished and spoke of frequently. After the World’s Fair, life’s circumstances moved Al to new adventures and The Kin Three became Roger and Dianne.

Roger and Dianne continued to share their love of music while performing throughout Maine. One venue in particular that continued to be a favorite performance center for the locals, as well as summer visitors to Maine was the “Merry Barn” in Edgecomb. It was at the “Merry Barn” that Dianne met her husband, Gerry Cates. Because Gerry was also a singer and musician, it wasn’t long before the couple began to share their love of music with each other and with others by sharing their gifts and musical talents in the Central Maine area, where the couple settled after they married in 1969. Dianne and Gerry continued to perform on high school and college campuses, entertained senior citizens in long term care facilities, played at weddings and other church functions and were delighted to share their music and talent with those folks who were willing to listen. Throughout her married life, Dianne continued to enjoy meeting friends and acquaintances for morning coffee with her husband of 54 years, Gerry. The laughter she often brought to conversations was contagious. Dianne’s “big” personality will be missed by the many people who knew and loved her.

Dianne is survived by her loving husband, Gerry; children Kristi, Zak, Darrin; four delightful grandchildren, Emily, Megan, Isaac and Maxwell, who filled Dianne with so much joy and love; sister, Celeste, brother, Peter (Kristan), two sisters-in-law, Sheila, Jocelyne; special and dear friends Barry, Marilyn; one maternal aunt, Lucille; several nephews, nieces; cousins; and countless friends.

Dianne will certainly be missed. Please come share in the celebration of her life. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 27 at 11 a.m. at CenterPoint Community Church, 155 West River Rd., Waterville.

In honor of Dianne, please come wearing a bit of green, her favorite color. After all, she was born on St Patrick’s Day!

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital or to a charity of your choice.

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