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Obituary for Josephine M Diana

JOSEPHINE ''JOSIE'' MARIE DIANA
 

 

CANFIELD – Private services were held in the chapel at Green Haven Memorial Gardens for Josephine “Josie” Marie Diana, 92, formerly of Struthers, who passed away Saturday morning, July 26, 2014, at Austinwoods Care Center.

Josephine was born Dec. 26, 1921, in Struthers, the daughter of Saverio “Sam” and Rose (Mazza) Pondoff. At the age of 5, Josie was orphaned and raised by the Leonard Emanuel family.

She was a graduate of Struthers High School and a former member of St. Nicholas Parish in Struthers. Josephine was a loving mother and grandmother. She worked as the head of stock of the Ladies Sportswear Department of the May Company (Strouss) in the Boardman Plaza and also at Casual Corner in the Southern Park Mall.

Josie was a Eucharistic Minister at the church and was the first chaplain for the Ladies Auxiliary of the F.O.E. in Struthers, as well as a member of the bowling league. She was a member of the F.O.E.’s winning state championship bowling team and she won many trophies over the years. Josie loved dogs, especially her two dogs, “Cindy and Bambi.”

In her free time, she enjoyed playing cards with a neighborhood card club, walking, and flower gardening. Most of all, Josie loved spending time with her grandsons and family.

She leaves one daughter, Judith A. Manus and her husband, William, with whom she made her home; and two grandsons, Marc John Manus and his wife, Stephany, of Los Angeles, and Christopher William Manus of Canfield. Josephine also leaves her Emanuel family sisters, Carol Circella and Rita Fanelli; as well as several nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

Besides her parents, Josephine was preceded in death by her husband, John B. Diana, whom she married June 24, 1941. He passed away Jan. 29, 2004. She was also preceded in death by her foster parents, Leonard and Catherine Emanuel; four brothers, John, Ralph, Frank, and Louis Pondoff; and one sister, Mary (Emanuel) Hudoba.

The family would like to thank the staff at Austinwoods for their care for Josie, as well as the staff of Cross Roads Hospice, especially Belinda, Crystal, and Chaplain Lori Pugh for all of their care, love and support for her and her family during Josephine’s last days. The family would also like to thank Fr. Terry Hazel of St. Michael Church, for his services at her funeral.

The family requests that material contributions take the form of donations to either MCBDD, 153 Javit Court, Austintown, OH 44515, in her grandson Christopher’s name, or to Angles for Animals.

There were no calling hours.

Arrangements were by the Lane Family Funeral Homes, Canfield Chapel.

“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” mom.

Family and friends may visit www.lanefuneralhomes.com to view this obituary and to send condolences