Diane Marie Valerio (nee Grant)

On July 17, 2024, Diane Marie Valerio (née Grant) passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family. Born March 15, 1945, to Stephen and Anna Grant, Diane spent most of her life in Cleveland, Ohio. The youngest of three, Diane grew up fast and went to work at a factory at an early age. While living in the family home, Diane embarked on a lifelong friendship with her neighbor Carmella Gresko (née Valerio) and it was through her that Diane met Anthony, Carm’s brother and the love of Diane’s life. Married in 1965, the two shared a life until Anthony’s untimely passing in 1999.

Diane will be remembered as many things: a wife, mother, grandmother, and football fan (to name but a few). More than anything, however, Diane was a caregiver. Whether she was raising her three children, taking care of her ailing husband, spending time with her 7 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson, or supporting patients in her career as a nurse’s aide, Diane was constantly giving of herself to help others. Known for her wicked sense of humor, Diane won over nearly everyone she met; given a few minutes, Diane could leave even the surliest people in stitches and would always make a lasting impression.  In her limited free time, Diane could be found assembling puzzles, listening to classic country music, and attending ceramics classes—the results of which are decades worth of hand-painted keepsakes that are spread between her loved ones.

Diane led a full and complicated life. While she found joy in her family, her pets, and chocolate ice cream, heartbreak could not be avoided: Diane survived the early deaths of both her husband and son Gary. It is a comfort to know that they are again united, free from the pains that plagued them in life. The sorrow that is felt by those left behind is a testament to Diane and the love that she engendered, and she will live on in her children and grandchildren. Preceded in death by her parents (Stephen and Anna), her siblings (Donald and Dolores), her husband (Anthony), and a son (Gary), Diane was surely welcomed into the next life with open arms. Those who survive her, children Anthony and Lisa, grandchildren Dana, Anthony, Darion, Dennis, Destiny, Diamond, and Adriana, great-grandson Santana, and a host of nieces and nephews will carry her memory with them—devastated by the loss, but comforted by the joy of having gotten to know and love her. 

Per Diane’s wishes, there will be no viewing but a catholic mass and celebration of life at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Jeff Monreal Funeral Home of Painesville.