Diane DiGiulio, died peacefully in her Des Plaines, IL home on October 15 surrounded by family and friends. She was daughter of Edna Ruth and Paul Gooden, a faithful wife to Paul (deceased) for 55 years, a loving mother to Lisa (Rich), Nino (Danijela) and Tony (Carla), dearest grandma to Nikolas , Anthony, Brandon, Gabriela, Niko, and Marko, a thoughtful sister to Judy, loving aunt to many neices and nephews, and compassionate friend to her best friend and devoted caregiver, Erica, and to many other friends.
She was born in a small town of Tallassee, AL in 1943, and growing up, she loved spending time on her granddaddy JT and grandmother Ruth’s farm, feeding animals, riding horses and swimming in the lakes nearby . She loved spending time with her sister Judy, many cousins and her best childhood friend, Patricia. During high school, her family moved to Chicago, where she met her husband Paul Di Giulio. They married in September 1960 and spent 55 devoted years together until Paul’s death in 2014.
Diane lived a long, happy, healthy life, and she and Paul raised three amazing, compassionate and successful children and joyously welcomed and doted on her six beloved kind and talented grandchildren.
Although she had some health struggles in her last few years, she was so blessed to have so many loving people caring for her, especially her caregiver, Erica, who she called her best friend and adopted daughter. Without Erica’s loving care, mom would not have been able to enjoy the highest quality of life during her last 10 years.
Although we will miss her love and support so very much, we are comforted by the warm and happy memories of time spent together and know she will be so happy to be reunited with her beloved husband, Paul, in heaven and with all of her family and friends who are welcoming her with open arms with our Lord Jesus.