With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Diana Julia Jones, 68, of Melbourne, Florida. She peacefully left this earth on January 12, 2026, after a 3-year battle with cancer.  She was born on July 18, 1957, in Bay Shore, New York, to Lawrence and Raphaela Pacelli, the fifth of eight children, on a beautiful day that seemed to reflect the light she would bring into the world. From the very beginning, she lived a life rooted in love, connection, and family. 

She devoted 25 years of her life to marriage and motherhood, raising three daughters, Rachel, Danielle, and Janine, who were the center of her world. In the next chapter of her life, she was blessed with 18½ years of love, laughter, and partnership with Sean Sanford (“Fish”), whom she proudly married in the final 1½ years of her journey. Her grandchildren knew her as Nana, a title she wore with immense pride. She was deeply proud of each of them and treasured every moment they spent together. She found joy in many things - playing poker with friends, planting flowers, browsing estate sales, and even the thrill of a roller coaster - but above all else, she loved being with her family. Family was at the heart of everything she did. 

Diana had a rare gift: she loved every person she met. If you were blessed enough to know her, you were truly loved by her. She saw the good in everyone and the beauty in the life unfolding around her, living each day with gratitude and loving with every ounce of her being. 

She was a bright light in this world, and her love will continue to shine through all who were fortunate enough to know her. 

She leaves behind a legacy of love carried on by her loving husband, Sean Sanford (“Fish”); her cherished daughters, Rachel Taylor (John), Danielle Townsend (Josh), and Janine Jones (Eric); and her beloved grandchildren, Katie, Zachary, Noah, Elijah, and Kai, who brought her endless joy.  She is also lovingly remembered by her mother, Raphaela Pacelli; her siblings, Lawrence Pacelli (Diane), Marie Dodd, Danny Pacelli (Tracey), Darlene Pacelli, Laura Mead, Michael Pacelli (Jill), and Raquel Datolli (Pete); along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends who were truly family to her.  She was reunited in peace with her father, Lawrence Pacelli. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 31st at 2:00 PM at Snug Harbor Lakes Club House. Address is 7645 Kyak Ct, Ste 1, Sebastian, FL. Attendees are kindly requested to refrain from wearing black. In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, a charity close to her heart.