Diana B. Santore

Diana Beverly (Davis) Santore of Land O Lakes, Florida, formerly of Maple Shade, New Jersey, departed to heaven on April 20th, 2023. She was 75.

Diana was predeceased by Leon J. Santore, her husband of 50 years. Diana leaves behind daughters Gina Marie Santore and husband Rob Miller, and Maria Wozniak and husband Alan. Also, her beloved granddaughters Gianna and Lexi, whose births gave Diana her preferred name “Nonna”, which means grandmother in Italian - the role that brought her pure joy.

Nonna also leaves behind brother Jonathan Davis and wife Nancy, sister Jessica Bergin and husband John and brother Mathew Davis and wife Marybeth, and nieces, nephews, and great nieces.

Nonna was born in in Portsmouth, Ohio to Harry L. Davis of Ohio and Marian Rose Troiano of South Philadelphia who met at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. They are now reunited with Nonna in Heaven.

Nonna graduated from Merchantville High School in 1966, and attended Moore College of Art. Nonna was known for extravagant jewelry, interior decorating, dressing for success, and being an avid collector. You would often find Nonna cooking a big pot of gravy for Sunday dinner and listening to Frank Sinatra.

Nonna had a brilliant smile and never left the house without being dressed “to the nines”. She never arrived empty handed; she always went out of her way to bring someone a gift. She enjoyed sending handwritten cards and brought smiles to everyone she encountered. Nonna treated all of her friends like family. She found the good in every situation and taught us the power of kindness and generosity. She was jovial and her laughter was infectious. Nonna was quick witted and enjoyed getting a rise out of everyone with her handy jokes. Everywhere she went, she knew someone or made a new friend. She often shared valuable life lessons and pearls of wisdom.

Nonna was the most generous, selfless, thoughtful person you were ever lucky enough to know. She taught us by example. She was the mother and nonna many dream of having. She will be dearly missed.

Visitation and a celebration of Nonna’s life will take place on Saturday, June 17, 2023, from 9-10:30 am at Mark C. Tilghman Funeral Home, 38 N. Forklanding Road, Maple Shade, New Jersey. A prayer service will follow. Interment will be private.

We hope you’ll share your favorite Nonna story or memory. We look forward to sharing a laugh and a hug.

Don’t wear black to the “celebration” - unless you think your outfit is slimming. Wear animal prints, florals or bright colors to celebrate Nonna’s life. Put on extra lipstick and “upscale” fashionable jewelry that Nonna loved so much. Walk in with a smile for her; she’d be so happy to see you.

In lieu of flowers, please make time to visit your Nonna or older family members. Take them out to lunch. Ask them about their youth, their military service, the loves of their life, your family tree - while you can.