Dianne Lillian (Fortin) Aldred, 85, of North Kingstown, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family, after a brave and courageous battle with cancer. Born in Providence, RI, to the late Leon and Lillian (Lavallee) Fortin, Dianne lived on Haswell Street in Warwick, RI, before moving to North Kingstown, where she resided and raised her family for the past 52 years.

She was a proud graduate of St. Francis Xavier’s Academy in Providence.

In her early career, Dianne worked as a switchboard operator for the phone company before choosing to stay home to dedicate herself to raising her children. She later returned to her roots in telecommunications, working for various organizations, including Kent Hospital, where she spent many fulfilling years before her retirement.

Dianne was the youngest of seven children and held a special place within her extended family. Affectionately known as the “fun aunt” by her many nieces and nephews, she possessed a lively spirit and a love for adventure. In her younger days, she was famously known for driving a pink car and wasn't afraid to drag race right down Haswell Street.

Dianne was also incredibly proud of her extensive doll collection, a lifelong passion that began when she was just a baby, when her two oldest brothers gifted her very first dolls upon returning home from World War II.

Dianne found immense joy in the simple beauties of life. She loved to garden, tend to her plants, and watch the wildlife that gathered on and around her backyard pond. She was an avid Boston Red Sox fan, rarely missing a game on television and passionately cheering them on from the comfort of her home.

Her warmth extended to her love for her many cherished pets over the years. She also shared a truly special bond with her neighborhood friends in Mount View, with whom she shared endless laughter, support, and fun through the decades. Above all, her family will remember her unwavering strength, her gentle spirit, and the deep love she had for everyone in her life.

Dianne shares a beautiful legacy of love and devotion with her beloved husband of 56 years, Robert P. Aldred. Bob and Dianne share a deep faith as Roman Catholics and are long time members of Our Lady of Mercy Church.

She was the devoted mother of Mark P. Aldred (Catherine Diorio) of Franklin, MA; Jennifer L. Picciano (Joseph Picciano) of Jamesville, NY; Matthew P. Aldred (Susan Sparks) of Cranston, RI; and the late Christine Marie Aldred.

She was the very proud and cherished grandmother of 10 grandchildren: James, Kyla, Luke, Ella, Jack, and Cole Aldred, and Isabella, Joseph, Jacob, and Jack Picciano. She also had a great-granddaughter, Charlotte.

Dianne is survived by her loving sister, Joan Flanagan of Warwick, RI. She was predeceased by her five brothers and sisters: Leon R. Fortin, Robert H. Fortin, Gloria M. Magner, Rene Fortin, and Normand "Nipper" Fortin. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, and several generations of great and great-great grandnieces and grandnephews who will miss her dearly.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, June 29, 2026 at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 65 Third St., East Greenwich. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, East Greenwich. Calling hours: Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 2-4 pm at the Urquhart Murphy Funeral, 800 Greenwich Ave., Warwick UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE HILL SKEFFINGTON FUNERAL HOME OF EAST GREENWICH. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the North Kingstown Pet Refuge to help the critters Dianne always wanted to save via https://thepetrefuge.org/donate/  or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Dianne Aldred to support cancer research and patient care via dana-farber.org/gift. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hill Skeffington Funeral Home of East Greenwich. www.hillskeffington.com