Diana M. Markos

OLD ORCHARD BEACH – It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Mom, Nana, sister, aunt, and friend, who died peacefully on Sept. 28, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, after a brief illness.

The daughter of the late Alson “Ike” and Edna Soule, she was predeceased by her beloved husband, Arthur “Tom” Markos, in 2018.

She leaves behind her daughter, Carol Sinclair, and her husband Robert of Farmingdale, her son, Christopher and his partner Mary Hoffmann of Rockport, and her son, Stephen and his wife Katie of Winchester, Mass. She was the cherished Nana of Nicholas Sinclair and his wife, Lauren, of Boston, Ryan Sinclair and his wife Ellen of Boston, Avery and Arianna Markos of Gardiner, and Quinn and Hayden Markos of Winchester. She is also survived by her sister, Jane Serwacki,, and her husband,, Larry,, of North Berwick, as well as many other family members and dear friends.

She grew up in Auburn, Maine, and graduated from Edward Little High School, Class of 1967. The friendships she made there remained an important part of her life. She especially treasured her longtime group of high school friends, who continued to gather for monthly lunches—a tradition that brought her great joy over the years.

After many years working for the Paper Industry Information Office, she made the decision to retire early and devote herself to what mattered most to her: her family. Family truly was the center of her world, and there was nothing she enjoyed more than having the people she loved gathered together.

She was, quite simply, the strongest person we knew. That strength was matched by an extraordinary capacity to care for others. She lovingly cared for our father through his final days, just as she had cared for her parents and her beloved aunts, whom she looked after with the same unwavering devotion. When someone she loved needed her, she was there—steadfast, selfless, and strong.

Her generosity and devotion to others extended well beyond her family. She was a longtime member of Beta Sigma Phi, a sorority devoted to service, and her church was an important part of her life. For many years, she was a member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Lewiston and, more recently, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Portland. She served as Treasurer of Philoptochos and formed many cherished friendships through her years of involvement with the church.

She gave generously of her time and talents to her church community, spending countless hours in the church kitchen baking Greek breads and pastries for functions and celebrations. For her, cooking and baking were acts of love, whether she was doing so for her church community or for the family she adored.

She enjoyed an active lifestyle right up until her illness, rising at the crack of dawn each morning to join her exercise buddies—first at Curves and later at Planet Fitness—often followed by a stop at Panera, where their circle of friends grew to include other regulars who remained in touch throughout her illness. We often joked that she could run circles around all of us.

Her home in Old Orchard Beach became a special gathering place for her extended family and the setting for countless happy memories. She was a phenomenal cook and baker, and the family feasts she lovingly prepared were nothing short of amazing. No gathering was ever small or quiet—they were large, loud, filled with wonderful food, plenty of laughter, and, most of all, love. She delighted in bringing everyone together and creating the traditions and memories her family will carry with them always.

More than anything, she loved being a mother and Nana. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy, and she took tremendous pride in each of them. The love she gave so freely will remain at the heart of the family she cherished so deeply.

Our family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful hospice nurses and caregivers who helped us care for our Mom and made it possible for her to remain peacefully at home, surrounded by the people she loved. We are especially grateful to Betsy, Charlotte, Tabby, and her team for the kindness, compassion, and loving care they provided to her and to our entire family during her final days.

The family will hold a private ceremony at a later date.

In lieu of flowers,

donations in her memory may be made to:
Holy Trinity Greek

Orthodox Church

133 Pleasant St.

Portland, ME 04101 or

at https://htrinityportland.org/donate/