Salem……

Dianne L. Symmes Chalifour age 69, formerly of R40 Highland Ave., Salem died Sunday afternoon in the Kaplan Family Hospice House.
Born and raised in Salem the daughter of the late Laurence and Florence (White) Symmes, she was educated at the Oliver School, Bowditch Schools and was graduated from Salem High School. Shortly after her graduation Ms. Symmes and her former husband, Lucien Chalifour, married and began a family.

A wonderful mom and accomplished artist, she painted in the mediums of oil, water color and charcoals and was often seen around the City of Salem with her easel creating her treasured works. An avid reader she enjoyed arts and crafts as well as designing her own clothing patterns for her children. At the center of her life was her family and she was a very generous, giving, loving and selfless person caring for all she came in contact with.

She is survived by five children, Daniel and his wife Gail Chalifour of Portsmouth, NH, Ronald Chalifour of Salem, Randall and his wife Cindy Chalifour of Peabody, Lucien and his wife Christina Chalifour of Lawrence and Dianne Chalifour and her husband Ron Burson of Melrose; ten grandchildren Chad, Kristin, Lucas, Nicollette, Chloe, Adam, Ariana, Janelle, Angela and Kimberly, her siblings Donna C. Symmes of Tucson, AZ, Shirley Sirois of Boothbay, ME and Donald Chouinard of Salem and a large extended family.
She was predeceased by a son Laurence Chalifour.

Her funeral will be held on Thursday at 9:15 A.M. from the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St., (cor of North St) Salem to be followed by a funeral Mass at 10:00 A.M. in St. James Church, 161 Federal St, Salem. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be Wednesday from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. Interment will be private. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Kaplan Family Hospice House, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B102, Danvers, MA 01923. For online guest book or additional information please call 978 744 0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.