Diane Mason Davenport passed away peacefully at Hospice of The Sacred Heart, Dunmore, PA on Saturday morning, August 27, 2022.
Diane was born on November 5th 1941 in Newton, MA, the daughter of the late Robert Appleton Mason and Myrtle Phillips Mason. After attending school in Westfield, NJ, she received a BS in Home Economics from Douglass College, New Brunswick, NJ (1963) and a Masters of Library Science from Rutgers University, School of Communication and Information (1987). Diane worked as a teacher’s aide in the Mount Olive, NJ school system, a librarian at Rutgers Library of Science and Medicine, then for the remainder of her professional career, she was a Reference Librarian at the County College of Morris in Randolph, NJ (1987 to 2007).
Diane met of the love of her life Edwin Chase (Ned) Davenport in 1957 and they married in 1963. Throughout her life, Diane developed her artistic talents. She won a regional sewing contest as a teenager and continued to sew, knit, crewel, and paint throughout her life. She wrote her own poetry to celebrate the lives and milestones of friends and family. She played tennis, loved to hike with family, garden, and take on home improvement projects. She was a cub scout den mother and a girl scout leader. She attended countless sporting events for her children and grandchildren over the years. She was a friend to many, known for her kindness and warmth, always putting the needs of others first. Over the years, Diane and Ed hosted many holiday celebrations, as well as shared their home with friends during life transitions. Diane was a voracious reader and after raising her children and while working full time at the Rutgers Library of Science and Medicine, she completed her Masters degree. Diane and Ned moved to the Lake Ariel, PA region in 2012 after vacationing there during summers since 1960.
She is survived by her husband Ned with whom she was happily married for 59 years, her brother, Robert A. Mason, her three children and their spouses: daughter Elizabeth A. Davenport and spouse Larry, son Peter M. Davenport, son Edwin B. (Ted) Davenport and spouse Lila and 5 grandchildren: Catherine, Sarah, and Hannah Roerden (daughters of Elizabeth), Chase and Alexandra Davenport (son and daughter of Ted and Lila). She is also survived by a much larger circle of family including a number of beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, as well as grandchildren and a great-grandchild by marriage.
Special Thanks to family, friends, medical staff, and to the loving Hospice of The Sacred Heart Team who cared for Diane.
A service will be planned at a future date. In lieu of flowers, consider donations to Hospice of The Sacred Heart, 100 William St, Dunmore, PA or your favorite charity.
Offer Condolence for the family of Diane Mason Davenport
Print Obituary & Condolences
Laurie latham
I’m so sad aunt de de ! You are so loved ! I know life was so busy but you were always thought of . I remember as a little girl you taking care of me and Ted and I getting into things I know I kept you on your toes ! Your were the greatest aunt the world should have had . Your forever in my memories! I love you so much ❤️ I will see you soon! I have been seeing a lot of butterflies 🦋 and I know that’s you watching over us sweet de de I love you love laurie
Elizabeth Davenport
Laurie, your message brought back some fond memories of mom and fun times with our families together. She loved you so much. Sending hugs.
Matthew Kersh
I was lucky enough to grow up on Rehoboth road neighbors with The Davenport family. Diane Davenport is like a second mother to me and will be missed more than I can express. Fortunately for me Diane was always there in my life offering support and unconditional love. I’ll bask in our many happy memories. from backyard barbecues and beach trips to Lake excursions and weddings. 🌹💔
Elizabeth Davenport
Matt, Thank you for your kind words, and reminders of many special vacations and celebrations. These are great memories of our shared happy days.
Mary Martin
When I began working at County College of Morris in 2001, Diane was a mentor to me. I learned so much about how to be a great librarian from watching her work.
Diane was so generous with her praise and compliments that I always felt that she thought I was “the bee’s knees.” And I thought the same about her. She was such a kind, caring, smart, curious, generous and wonderful person.
My heart goes out to Ned and other members of Diane’s family. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Elizabeth Davenport
Mary, thank you so much for these memories of Mom from her happy days surrounded by valued colleagues, books and a great reference question that required her curious mind to identify the sources of a great research question. As a scientist, she was always my “go to” librarian as well, and I learned recently she continued to share her gift to find information well beyond her retirement. She was indeed a great mentor and coach, and she continued in that role throughout her life.
Barb Fries
In recent years Harry and I enjoyed cheerful outings near Lake Waynewood together. We will miss our dinners out with Ned and lake friends. Our thoughts are with the whole Davenport family.
Doug Roerden
We’ve been so honored to know Diane (and Ned!) for almost three decades now. Whether in NJ, PA, NC, or even MA, each and every occasion was made special, in large part due to Diane’s happy outlook and bright smile. We’re very thankful our boys got to know Diane as well. One very special visit to Lake Waynewood is permanently etched in each of their memories. Big hugs to all friends and family, and especially to Ned. We wish we could be with you this weekend and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. -Doug, Laura, Eli, Zach & Ben