Diane Marie DiGirolamo

     Diane Marie DiGirolamo was born in Oakland, California March 19, 1931 to Charles and Mary Ferreira. She had a sister Joyce (1936-1956) and has a brother Charma (1949-...). Her family included aunts and uncles who worked in farming, dairy and plastering; some of whom immigrated from Madeira, Portugal. She attended grammar school and high school at St. Joseph's and Notre Dame, Alameda. She played basketball in high school.(She was a Warrior's fan). During her summers two aunts, Angie and Bea, would take her to the Monterey Peninsula on vacation. Diane met George DiGirolamo on Monterey's Fishermans wharf and continued to see him on return yearly visits. She knew he would be her future husband. He didn't have a chance. They were married June 25, 1950 and were partners for 73 years. They raised five children in Carmel and Monterey homes.  

     Her family was her focus as a wife and stay-at-home mother for most of her early life in Carmel. How lucky we were. Eventually she started working, first alongside her husband as a hostess at the family's restaurant Angelo's on the wharf. Later, she crossed the "street" to work in sales and purchasing at their gift shop, Ethnic Arts. Diane's faith was important to her. She was an active member in Carmel Mission Mothers Club and Altar Society, Catholic Daughters and ICF (Italian Catholic Federation). Her artistic side showed in her sewing and quilting. She enjoyed spending time with her sewing groups, winning awards, including at the Monterey County Fair. Some of her favorite projects were making countless blankets for the many newborns in the family.   

     In 1968 they moved to their landmark home in Monterey. This lone house on the top of Dunecrest Ave. would now be the gathering place for birthdays, holidays and many other events worthy of celebration. As a homemaker her house was full of life and meticulously clean. She would  often be caught mopping the floor at midnight. Her garden and house were full of plants and flowers, from the Pride of Madeira and succulents outside to her be successful orchids thriving inside. She cherished her collection of dolls, some of which she made herself. She always had a pet. Her favorite dog was her black lab Sadie. As a graceful hostess she was always able to offer food and treats to guests, expected and unexpected, somehow meeting everyone's dietary needs. A naturally gifted cook, her pasta sauce and soups, macaroni, potato and couscous salads and other recipes are delicious memories. Christmas meals were fantastic with seafood and crab pasta on Christmas Eve and Prime Rib on Christmas Day. Her Christmas shopping list was 35 people long plus extras, just in case.

     Mom, Sister, Auntie, Nana was loved by all who knew her. Her positive, cheerful, caring disposition and strong work ethic endeared her to many. She was always there to give and help and open her home to friends and family in  joy or in need. Diane's health  became an issue in her 90's but she was able to stay in her home with help from her family and caregivers, especially Lupe Bautista. She spent the last four months of her life at Carmelo Park where she was lovingly cared for. Thank you Matt, Kari and staff. Diane passed on October 9, 2026, 95 years old. She will be missed but will be remembered by the many she touched. She has now joined her husband George and son Frank who have preceded her. Her spirit is with us; watching, guiding and protecting, as she always has.

     Diane is survived by her sons Phil (Lisa), Vince (April), Tom (Carrie) and daughter Joyce (Steve) and daughter-in-law Becki. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Diane was preceded in death by her husband George in 2023 and son Frank in 2019.