Diane Eileen Donnelly's Obituary
Diane Eileen Donnelly (nee Thress), age 74, of Cinnaminson, NJ, passed away at home on Tuesday, March 19, surrounded by her loving family after a long and courageous fight. Born in Philadelphia to the late Charles Thress and Rita Thress (Giangiordano), Diane grew up on Parry Avenue in Palmyra, NJ, with her seven siblings. She was a graduate of Palmyra High School, class of 67, where she earned the distinction of being voted best dressed by her senior classmates. She was a member of Sacred Heart parish in Riverton, NJ, for her entire life. A career in food industry started early when Diane started as a waitress at Horn & Hardart’s where her dad was manager. Over the years Diane’s feisty personality charmed the customers at many restaurants, most of her serving career at Villari’s Milmarian in Palmyra, where she worked for over 40 years. For the past few years she worked at the Riverton Country Club where her dedicated service earned her the love and appreciation of the club’s kind and generous membership.
In 2001 Diane married the love of her life, Frank, and they lived at Ashley’s Crossing in Delran for several years and then later moved to Cinnaminson. Together they enjoyed going to the casino, watching the Phillies, Eagles and Golf on TV, and catching up on the latest CSI’S, NCIS, Blue Bloods, or old Murder She Wrote episodes. Diane’s arrival at a family function with her delicious pound cake in hand was legendary, as were her lemon bars and chocolate cakes. Along with the casino, her home was her happy place, and she had a great eye for decorating.
Diane is survived by her loving husband, Frank, and siblings and their spouses Kathy Portella, Winnie Thress, Lorraine Esten (Marc), Eileen Thress, Wayne Thress (Susan), Denise Guglielmucci (Mike), and Debbie Noon (John). Diane was a devoted aunt to 18 loving nieces and nephews (and later to their spouses) who in addition to receiving the latest Hess trucks or holiday Barbies each year for Christmas, were blessed with years of Aunt Diane’s loving presence at their graduations, weddings, bridal and baby showers. She showed the same loving attention to her 27 great nieces and nephews who followed. Diane is also survived by her Uncle Al and many wonderful cousins on both maternal and paternal sides. Her wonderful Donnelly in-laws and many devoted friends also added so much to her life.
Diane is predeceased by her parents, Charles and Rita Thress, her brother, Charles Thress, and brother-in-law Anthony Portella, who are now all greeting Diane in their loving arms.
A gathering of family and friends will be held this Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church 103 4th Street Riverton, NJ.
Diane’s Funeral Mass will follow at 11:30 a.m.
Burial will follow at Lakeview Memorial Park, Cinnaminson, NJ.
If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to https://www.healthwellfoundation.org/
To share your fondest memories of Diane please visit www.givnish.com
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