William B. Groman

Diane’s life proves Albert Schweitzer’s statement “one does not have to be an angel to be a saint”. Regardless of what came her way her focus was never on herself. She was always ready to listen or lend a hand, but never to complain. She instilled in her sons this same consideration: while young they always showed their manners, and even today they demonstrate respect for others as taught by their mother. When she was blessed with a granddaughter she was Nana, unless it was time for make-believe, then she’d be a princess or a fairy, wherever their imagination took them. Even when she lacked the strength to hold a pen, she could always grip a crayon. But her definition of family didn’t include the word extended: when her sons brought home their better-halves she immediately accepted them as her own, she never lost the strong bonds she shared with her sisters and she even was happy to go to bat for her nieces and nephew when the need arose. rnrn Most teenagers dread the thought of Spanish and Latin classes, but in her 35 years at Palmyra High School Diane found a way to make it fun. She had enough motivation to keep the whole class interested. And her Castilian Spanish was so proper; it even impressed some of her students’ college professors. rnrn While visiting the optician Diane met her future husband, Robert, of Delran. He cleverly “forgot” to give her the case that accompanied her glasses. It allowed him the chance to catch up with her outside…and ask her out. Together their lives were blessed by their sons: Joseph (Andrea) of Hillsborough and Christopher (fiancée Laurie Valentin) of Mt. Laurel, and again by their granddaughter, Elise Diane. She is also survived by her sisters: Marian Louden (Mark McCloy) of MD and Joanne DeRose (Dean) of Marlton, her nephew and five nieces and her 3 great-nieces and 2 great-nephews. Diane was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Josephine Calio. rnrn Come celebrate Diane’s 65 caring years (Sept. 23, 1945-Sept. 6, 2011) Friday from 6:30-9 PM and Saturday from 8:30-9:30 AM at the Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside. Mass of Christian Burial Saturday 10:30 AM at Sacred Heart Church 103 4th St., Riverton, NJ 08077. Interment St. Peter’s Cemetery, Riverside. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to the church. – See more at: https://sweeneyfamilyroom.com/diane-j-harvey/#sthash.p1Ui7qxE.dpuf