Dianne Doan Colvin, 85, of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, died on September 29, 2026. Born June 27, 1941 in Auburn, New York, she was the daughter of Wilfred and Jennie Doan. After receiving her Bachelor's Degree from Skidmore College in 1963, she earned her Master's Degree in Social Work from Syracuse University in 1967.
Dianne and Gary Colvin, her husband, moved to Cayuga Lake (Varick) where they lived for more than 50 years. After retirement, they spent winters in New Smyrna Beach, Florida where they moved permanently four years ago.
During her professional career of more than 30 years in the Finger Lakes, Dianne held increasingly responsible positions in the field of psychiatric social work, including full, part-time, clinical and supervisory positions with the Ontario, Seneca, Cayuga and Yates County mental health clinics, as well as Willard Psychiatric Center, where she worked for 10 years. There, she designed and implemented the first comprehensive out-patient program for the mentally ill in New York.
Her advocacy for women's rights began in the late 60s when Dianne was a charter member of the second national chapter of NOW (Central New York). From 1984 to 1994, Dianne served as executive director of Family Counseling Service of the Finger Lakes in Geneva, New York, where she developed a wide range of services including domestic violence and sexual abuse services for women and children.
A strong believer in community service, Dianne served on a variety of community boards in the Finger Lakes area, including several United Ways, county youth bureaus, Planned Parenthood of the Finger Lakes and the Taylor-Brown, Geneva General and Rochester Regional hospital boards. She also volunteered for the Seneca Falls Historical Society and the National Women's Hall of Fame in Seneca County.
Living on beautiful Cayuga Lake, Dianne was a strong advocate for the environment, serving on the Varick Planning Board, the Board of Assessment Review and as the recycling coordinator.
Remembering others from the community
Dianne is survived by her husband of 57 years, Gary, her brother Douglas Doan (Penny) and nephews Christopher Doan (Caitlyn) of Virginia, Jeffrey Doan (Becca) of Denver and their children; nephews Eric, Douglas (Pat) and Bradley Springer of Auburn, New York; and three stepchildren, Ronald (Julie), Craig (Polly) and Kimberley Colvin of Hoosick Falls, New York and their seven children and 14 grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sister, Sharon Springer of Auburn, New York.
At Dianne's request, there will be no memorial service. She has asked that any contributions in her memory be made to an environmental cause, as she saw global warming as the world's greatest threat.
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