FARMINGTON — Honor Diehl, 96, of New Portland passed away Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009 at Edgewood Rehabilitation and Living Center in Farmington.

She was born Sept. 30, 1913 in Vernon, British Columbia, Canada the daughter of Edward A. and Gwendolen S. (Blair) Davey. Women’s fitness was her passion long before it was popular. While pursuing her academic career in England she met a mentor who encouraged her to follow that passion. For three years she studied the areas of Yoga, ballet and national dancing accompanied by music. While pursuing ballet and dance she fractured her ankle in a skiing accident in Switzerland which forced her to change her career path. Honor traveled to Germany, Denmark, and Sweden to study their exercise techniques so she could combine the ones she felt were useful for medical therapy.

Honor was a member of the League of Health and Beauty, a non-profit organization focusing on the promotion of proper exercise for “normal” people in England. When the war started she moved to Montreal and was unable to return to England. She also worked doing technical drawings for the British Military which blossomed into a love for drawing and painting with pastels. While on vacation in Nova Scotia she met her husband Calvin, an art director with Bristol Meyers. After marrying, Honor became a naturalized citizen of the U.S. in New York City on Dec. 2, 1946. There she rekindled her passion for exercise and became a visionary who combined music with exercise to promote relaxation and enjoyment.

Honor’s life eventually led her to Rangeley where she

began to draw again. Her specialty became pastel portraits of her beloved dogs and most recently in the drawings she did of birds and her fellow residents at Edgewood.

Honor is survived by her son, Tim Diehl of New Portland; a sister, Elizabeth Davey of Great Britain; and a niece, Susan Brett.

She was predeceased by her husband, Calvin Diehl and three sisters.

At Honor’s request no services will be held at this time.

Those wishing may make donations in Honor’s memory to The Franklin County Animal Shelter, 550 Industry Rd., Farmington, Maine 04938.

Arrangements under the direction of Adams~McFarlane Funeral & Cremation Services, 108 Court St., Farmington.

Those wishing may send condolences to the family through the funeral home Web site www.adamsmcfarlane. com.