Diane Frances Kamercia Kline

Diane Frances Kamercia Kline, 58, of Center Harbor, NH, passed away peacefully with her family at her side, on July 13, 2010, at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, MA, after a courageous battle with cancer.          She was born in New London, CT, on May 17, 1952, to Michael and Emily (Mariani) Kamercia. Diane was a career educator for 33 years. She grew up in Groton, CT and spent many wonderful times with her immediate and extended family. She especially enjoyed the times swimming and crabbing among the rocks at her Italian grandmother's home at Groton Long Point, where she developed such a great love for the beach and ocean.            Diane was a graduate of St. Bernard's High School in New London, CT. She attended Belknap College in Center Harbor, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, graduating in 1973. She went on to earn a Master of Education at Plymouth State University in 1997. Diane has taught school in Gilford, Laconia and most recently in Plymouth, NH. She also assisted the First Nation community, teaching preschool - grade 4 in the Eskimo village of Ekwok, Alaska from 1979-1980. Diane also co-founded and co-directed the Cotton Tail College Preschool in Center Harbor from 1982-1990, which allowed her to touch the lives of many young children in the immediate community. Additionally, Diane was a planning board member for the Town of Center Harbor from 1985-2000. She also earned the distinction of being elected the first female selectman for the Town of Center Harbor and served from 2000-2004. As a selectman, it was important for her that the residents be treated as a family community, where community meant looking out for each other.            Diane was considered a gourmet Italian Chef, where she could prepare delicious dishes often from next to nothing. She loved to entertain guests with her glowing personality and fabulous culinary skills. Diane also had a passion for the outdoors. She enjoyed gardening, hiking, fishing, boating, camping, cross-country skiing, and watching the sunrise over Lake Winnipesaukee.   She is predeceased by her father Michael Kamercia; survived by her loving husband of 31 years, Edwin "Duke", of Center Harbor, her son and daughter,  Derek and Danae, both of Center Harbor; her mother, Emily (Mariani) Kamercia, of Groton, CT; brother, Michael Kamercia, and his wife Patsy, of Clinton, CT; sister, Carol Kamercia, of Miami, FL; brother, James "Jim" Kamercia, and his wife Maureen, of Groton, CT; and her beloved nieces and nephews.Memorials:In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Diane K. Kline Scholarship Fund, PO Box 526, Center Harbor, NH 03226.Visitation:Visiting hours will be held at Mayhew Funeral Home (Rtes. 3 and 104), Meredith, Friday, July 16, 2010 from 3 thru 5 pm and 7 thru 9 pm.Service:A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, July 17, 2010 at 2 pm in the St. Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Church, Meredith, with interment to follow the service.