BRUNSWICK — Joan R. Dietrich, 82, of Brunswick, died March 10 at Hawthorne House in Freeport, from the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.

Dietrich was born March 31, 1930, in Presque Isle, to Edmund and Anna Beaulieu. Following graduation from Presque Isle High School in 1948, she worked at Northern National Bank and New England Telephone & Telegraph Co. in Presque Isle.

She married Xavier J. (Joe) Dietrich on Dec. 26, 1953. During Joe’s naval career, they raised their family in several locations along the East Coast, from Presque Isle to Key West, Fla. Dietrich was a devoted wife and mother who demonstrated strength and courage in her own quiet way. She managed the household and cared for her children, often on her own, when he husband was on deployment. She was also a cancer survivor of almost 40 years.

Dietrich and her husband were self-reliant and hard working, taking care of their own home and assisting their children in countless ways over the years. She was always there for her extended family as well, occasionally providing care for her sisters’ children and working on various projects on her parents’ farm. After retirement, the Dietrichs happily cared for their grandchildren when they were pre-schoolers and took pride in watching them grow.

During the last several years she suffered a steady decline as her Alzheimer’s disease progressed, and was lovingly cared for by her husband in their Brunswick home.

Dietrich is predeceased by her husband, Joe; and her siblings Bernard Beaulieu, Reginald Beaulieu, Viola Beaulieu, Linda Mosberg, Brenda Beaulieu, Rena Beaulieu and an infant sister.

She is survived by her children Dianna Dietrich of Brunswick, Carolyn McHale and son-in-law Jack of Maryland, Michael Dietrich and daughter-in-law Lise of Freeport, and Xavier Dietrich II of Massachusetts; her grandchildren, Connor and Alexis Dietrich of Freeport; her siblings, Loretta Beaulieu, Edna Pirie, Mildred Beaulieu, Carol Giles, Franklin Beaulieu; and many nieces and nephews.

Dietrich’s family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at Hawthorne House for the kindness, compassion and support they extended.

Visiting hours will be held Tuesday from 4-6 p.m. at Brackett Funeral Home, 29 Federal St., Brunswick. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 132 McKeen St., Brunswick. Interment will follow at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Mount Vernon Road, Augusta.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, 383 U.S. Route 1, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074.

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