Diane Elizabeth Lavelle, 73

Diane Elizabeth Lavelle, 73, of West Park, Fla., passed away Saturday, March 12, 2011, after a long bout with colon disease.

Diane was born in Bronx, New York City, on Oct. 12, 1937, to Louis and Norma Mucci. She was raised with her four brothers, Louis Jr. “Sooky,” Bobby, Steve and Tommy Mucci, of New York. She also grew up with three sisters, June Howard of Amsterdam, N.Y., Marie Kopf, of Long Island, N.Y., and Linda Johnson of Kalispell.

Joseph Lavelle, also of the Bronx, was the lucky guy who won the heart of Diane, and they soon were wed. 

As a child Diane loved to sing Everly Brothers tunes in harmony with her sisters, and was a very good undiscovered animation artist which not too many knew about her.

Diane held a kind and loving heart for all things children and grandchildren. Many nieces, grand-nieces and nephews of Kalispell, New York and Florida, who may not have known her very much as the years passed by, will know her through her immediate family who can never forget that friendly heart and warm soul. She chose a nursing profession when her children were older, and that goes hand in hand with the giving person she was.

Diane is survived by her five children, Johnny, Patricia, Laura, Joseph and Michael, and husband Joe, still residing in Florida. Her kids were her whole reason for fighting the good fight of her illness of the past two years and they mourn her memory. Several grandchildren in Florida will miss their loving grandmom, and her unselfish love.

“I know that heaven is rejoicing in having you come home, Diane. Like that Everly Brothers tune we sang together often, ‘All I have to do is dream.’”

A memorial service will be held in West Park, Fla., and Amsterdam, N.Y.