Diane Mathilda Tinkham
SCARAMENTO, Calif. – Diane Mathilda Tinkham, 85, of Sacramento, California, passed away peacefully on Nov. 2, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Born on May 17, 1940, in Waterville, Diane was the beloved daughter of Emerie and Hazel M. Bourque of Winslow.
Diane was a woman remembered most for her giving heart, gentle spirit, and unwavering devotion to her family. A lifelong nurturer, she always put others before herself and was happiest when surrounded by her loved ones. Her deep affection for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren brought her immeasurable joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them.
On Jan. 9, 1965, Diane married the love of her life, Ronald J. Tinkham. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and community. Diane was an active member of her local Catholic parish and proudly contributed her time and energy to her Franco-American heritage organization, where she built lifelong friendships.
Her interests reflected her love of history and connection – she was passionate about family genealogy and took great pride in preserving the stories of generations past. To those who knew her, Diane was the cornerstone of family gatherings, always ensuring that everyone felt welcome, loved, and cared for.
Diane is survived by her devoted husband, Ronald J. Tinkham; her children, Lesley A. Bishop of Sacramento, Calif., and Jason E. Tinkham and wife Janelle of Lincoln; and her sister, Juanita Bragdon.
Grandchildren include Erica Zanghi and husband Jason of Sacramento, Calif.; Kayla Oliver and partner Anthony Wyman of Madison; and Matthew and Samuel Tinkham of Lincoln.
Great-grandchildren include Joshua Mercier, Micayla Mercier, and Madison Wyman, all of Madison, and Kiyomi and Khaleesi Diane Zanghi of Sacramento, Calif.
She is also survived by special friends Lisa Desjardins and Jan Pete.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Emerie and Hazel Bourque, and her brother, Leon Bourque.
A memorial service to honor Diane’s life will be announced at a later date. Her legacy of compassion, faith, and devotion to family will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.
“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.”
— Thomas Campbell
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association or Eastern Area Agency on Aging.
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