Obituary: Diana M. Markos
Maine Community Mourns the Life of Diana M. Markos
Old Orchard Beach, Maine – The community of Old Orchard Beach and those who loved her have lost a beloved pillar of faith, family, and friendship. Diana M. Markos, a longtime resident of Old Orchard Beach and former employee of the Paper Industry Information Office, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2026, after a brief illness. She was surrounded by her family in the home that had become a hub for gatherings and celebrations.
Markos was the daughter of the late Alson “Ike” and Edna Soule. She had been married to Arthur “Tom” Markos, a devoted husband and partner, until his death in 2018. Her passing leaves behind a large, grateful family: daughter Carol Sinclair and her husband Robert of Farmingdale; sons Christopher with partner Mary Hoffmann of Rockport, and Stephen with wife Katie of Winchester; grandchildren Nicholas and Lauren Sinclair of Boston, Ryan and Ellen Sinclair of Boston, Avery and Arianna Markos of Gardiner, and Quinn and Hayden Markos of Winchester. The family also includes her sister Jane Serwacki and her husband Larry of North Berwick, along with many other relatives and close friends.
A native of Auburn, Maine, Markos graduated from Edward Little High School in 1967. She maintained a close bond with her classmates, often gathering for monthly lunches—a tradition that brought her joy well into adulthood. After a career with the Paper Industry Information Office, she chose to retire early so she could devote her time and energy to the people she loved most.
“The strength of my mother was matched only by her capacity for love,” said Carol Sinclair. “She was a caretaker, a nurturer, and a source of unwavering support for everyone she knew.”
Markos was an active participant in her faith community. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi, a sorority dedicated to service, and served as treasurer of Philoptochos at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. She spent years volunteering in the church kitchen, baking Greek breads and pastries for festivals and celebrations. “Cooking for the church was an expression of her love,” recalled a fellow volunteer. “It was one of the ways she connected with others.”
Beyond her church commitments, Markos was a devoted mother and grandmother. Her home in Old Orchard Beach was known for its generosity, often hosting family feasts that were described as large, lively, and filled with “plenty of laughter and love.” Her culinary skills were celebrated by all who tasted her dishes, and she took great pride in feeding her family and friends.
An avid exerciser, Markos began each day early, joining her friends at Curves and later at Planet Fitness. She also enjoyed frequent visits to Panera, where her circle of friends expanded over time. “She could run circles around all of us,” joked a friend, referring to her energetic nature and the lively gatherings she organized.
In her final days, Markos was cared for at home by hospice nurses who provided compassionate support. The family expressed deep gratitude to Betsy, Charlotte, Tabby, and their team for their kindness, compassion, and loving care. “They made it possible for her to remain at home, surrounded by her loved ones,” said a family representative.
A private ceremony will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church at 133 Pleasant St., Portland, ME 04101, or online at https://htrinityportland.org/donate/.
Markos’s legacy of love, generosity, and community spirit will continue to inspire those who knew her. Her life, marked by dedication to family, faith, and friends, stands as a testament to the enduring strength of a woman who touched many lives in the Old Orchard Beach area and beyond.
