- Welcome to Daley Life Celebration Studio, where we Celebrate the Color of Life.
Diane J Harvey
Diane’s life proves Albert Schweitzer’s statement “one does not have to be an angel to be a saint”. Regardless of what came her way her focus was never on herself. She was always ready to listen or lend a hand, but never to complain. She instilled in her sons this same consideration: while young they always showed their manners, and even today they demonstrate respect for others as taught by their mother. When she was blessed with a granddaughter she was Nana, unless it was time for make-believe, then she’d be a princess or a fairy, wherever their imagination took them. Even when she lacked the strength to hold a pen, she could always grip a crayon. But her definition of family didn’t include the word extended: when her sons brought home their better-halves she immediately accepted them as her own, she never lost the strong bonds she shared with her sisters and she even was happy to go to bat for her nieces and nephew when the need arose. rnrn Most teenagers dread the thought of Spanish and Latin classes, but in her 35 years at Palmyra High School Diane found a way to make it fun. She had enough motivation to keep the whole class interested. And her Castilian Spanish was so proper; it even impressed some of her students’ college professors. rnrn While visiting the optician Diane met her future husband, Robert, of Delran. He cleverly “forgot” to give her the case that accompanied her glasses. It allowed him the chance to catch up with her outside…and ask her out. Together their lives were blessed by their sons: Joseph (Andrea) of Hillsborough and Christopher (fiancée Laurie Valentin) of Mt. Laurel, and again by their granddaughter, Elise Diane. She is also survived by her sisters: Marian Louden (Mark McCloy) of MD and Joanne DeRose (Dean) of Marlton, her nephew and five nieces and her 3 great-nieces and 2 great-nephews. Diane was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Josephine Calio. rnrn Come celebrate Diane’s 65 caring years (Sept. 23, 1945-Sept. 6, 2011) Friday from 6:30-9 PM and Saturday from 8:30-9:30 AM at the Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside. Mass of Christian Burial Saturday 10:30 AM at Sacred Heart Church 103 4th St., Riverton, NJ 08077. Interment St. Peter’s Cemetery, Riverside. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to the church.
13 Comments
Quite simply, they don’t come any sweeter than my cousin Diane. I’m convinced that the reason she still looked like a young girl (aside from great genetics) was because she had no frown lines. When I picture her, it is always with a smile on her face and laughter in her eyes. Her face is now aglow as she beholds our Savior in glory for eternity.
In Gods loving hands. My prayers go out to the family.
To Marian, and to all the members of Diane’s family and extended family,rnMay the fond memories of your beloved Diane sustain and comfort you during this difficult time. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.rnSincerely, Teddi and John Pensinger
Aunt Diane had the gift of humor, joy and love wrapped up into one. The world is sadder for our loss. I hope that everytime we laugh we feel her in our hearts. If she is doing stand-up in heaven right now, I’m sure it is standing room only. God bless you Aunt Diane! We will love you into eternity.
I am honored to have been Diane?s cousin. Diane epitomized the concept of teaching by example. Her compassion, her intelligence, her bravery and her wit were all sources of inspiration to me. I loved and admired Diane, and will never forget her. I extend my deepest sympathy to Bob, her sons, their wives and fiances, her grandchild, her sisters and their families, her cousins and friends — to everyone who loved Diane. God bless her and keep her in the communion of saints, where she now abides.
My prayers and heartfelt sympathy to Diane’s family. I worked with Diane for 17 years at palmyra high school and certainly had many good times.
With deepest sympathy to Bob, Joe and Chris. Memories will sustain you all through this time of sorrow. She will always be with you in your hearts.rnrn
May your pain be short and memories be long of Diane, She was a true inspiration just with her smile and love the fact that her gift was passed to her sons as well. Her spirit leaves on and so does her gift to light up whatever room she was in at the time. I feel proud to have known her, as short as it was she made an impact in my life , as well as my families. Bob,Joe and Chris my heart goes out to you during this time. Love you guys .Stay strong
Bob,dear friend and family it is with heavy heart and sadness that I send this thought,may knowing that friends share in and care deeply at this time a prayer is sent that God will keep you and yours always in his loving arms.nn
To the Harvey Family: I had the privilege to be a next door neighbor and friend to Diane and Bob since 2007. I share your grief at the loss of this lovely woman, and feel deep sadness at her passing. Diane always helped me to feel at home, even as a newcomer, and I will always be grateful for her friendship. She was a fighter, even with this illness, and her spirit will survive her. May she rest in eternal peace, and may the entire Harvey family find solace in wonderful memories of Diane, and in the companionship and presence of cherished family and friends. My deepest sympathies to you all in this time of sorrow. rnrnWith love and sadness, Rebecca
SO many blessed memories. Aunt Diane was a special person. I knew this when I was very small. She was always very ‘cool’ always had the ‘awesome sports cars’ — she and my Uncle Bob found me walking along the road when I was 5, and had escaped from a dreaded summer camp… I didn’t like my first day, so I decided to walk home. I will never forget how calm, cool and collected she was… gathering me up from the side of the road and getting me safely home. Fast forward.. Aunt Diane was always full of humor. She always had the family laughing. Always smiles and laughter with Aunt Diane. When I was a struggling teenager, Aunt Diane was there for me, supporting me every step of the way with understanding and motivation. I bet she was the best teacher ever… I think she had a beautiful gift.. to reach teenagers, teach them a skill, motivate and support them. She was such an awesome mom to her two boys, my cousins, Joseph and Christopher. Although protective, she was the kind of mom that was easy going, had some firm boundries but they were lined with love. She never thought of herself. She was so giving.. always thinking of others… she got along great with my mom, her older sister, and my aunt Joanne, her youngest sister. While me and my sisters fought from time to time, I never saw them squabble, never saw them say a negative word toward eachother. Their relationships were full of love, service to one another, caring and they were a great example to me and my sisters. Aunt Diane was a great example. She was strong…never gave up…always stayed faithful and giving even in her personal times of suffering. She was always thinking of others. If she touched your life.. I am sure you feel as blessed as I do, and always will… for the kindness, the humor, the caring, the person Aunt Diane was and will always be in our hearts. Will miss you so much…. Love you Mimi
Bob and family,rnrnI worked with Diane at Palmyra for the first 9 years of my teaching career. I have fond, fun memories of working with her and even sharing her classroom. After leaving Palmyra, we lost touch as many people do when their lives travel different paths. Oddly enough, our paths crossed again two years ago at Lourdes Hospital in Willingboro as we both waited to be wheeled into surgery. We talked briefly. Yet, for me it seemed like we just picked up where we left off almost 15 years ago. I’ve kept in touch with a few of my students from Palmyra via Facebook. It was through Facebook that I learned of Diane’s passing.rnrnWords cannot express my sadness for your loss. I am a better person for knowing Diane because without realizing or knowing it, she influenced, inspired, and helped shape me into the teacher I am today.rnrnThe pain and grief you are experiencing might feel unbearable at times. However, find comfort in knowing Diane is at peace. Find joy and laughter in your memories of Diane and know that she always is with you.
Barry and I were so sorry to hear of Dianes passing.We often think of all the good times we shared on Parry Rd.We will always remember Diane as a loving wife,Mother and friend.Our thoughts and prayers are with you…Turba and Barry