Obituary of Diane (Diamantina) Mariconda (nee Matteis)

It is with heavy hearts that the children of Diane Mariconda (nee Matteis) announce the passing of their mother peacefully on Tuesday November 14th, 2023 at Riverview Gardens, surrounded by her loving family.

Mom was born on November 3, 1932 in the Italian village of Castelvetere Sul Calore. Her given name was “Diamantina” which means “little diamond”. She immigrated to Canada with her family in 1951 to begin a brand new life.

In 1953, Mom was joined by her fiancé, Eddie, and the two were married on February 14th of that year.

She is survived by their four children, Rosalina, Joe (Leslea), Virginia (Michael) and John. Mom dearly loved her six grandchildren, Kristina, Whitney (Mike), Zachary, Kendra (Aaron), Holly, and Mallory, and was thrilled to have two young great-grandsons, Maverick William James and Caleb Edoardo.

Pre-deceased by her husband of nearly 70 years, Eddie, as well as her parents, Joseph and Antonietta, and her four siblings, Geno (Leona), Tony (Brenda), Mary (Joseph), and Michael (former wife, Pat Matteis; partner, Elaine Goldhawk), as well as by many nieces and nephews.

Mom took night classes in English soon upon her arrival in Canada and quickly picked up speaking the language, as well as reading and writing it. In her early years here, she was called upon often to act as an interpreter at medical and legal appointments, and in court for new immigrants who did not yet speak English.

A vibrant presence with her quick smile and sharp wit, Mom was a very active member of St. Joseph’s CWL and the Kaycettes for several decades. She was a dedicated, weekly volunteer for over 25 years at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, as well.

Mom worked in the kitchen at St. Joseph’s hospital for several years prior to becoming a full-time homemaker and stay-at-home mother. She began cooking as a child, at the age of eight, and her culinary skills were outstanding, and one of the main ways in which she expressed love. Mom’s cooking was a great passion and, we were fortunate to enjoy the food she made, as did many others, such as guests, and those at potlucks, parties and family reunions. Cooking was also one of the ways in which she expressed her creativity – her dishes were as beautifully arranged and garnished as they were delicious. Also, Mom taught courses in Italian cooking at St. Clair College.

Mom’s artistic self was demonstrated through the knitting that she did for the whole family, from incredible afghans and sweaters, to mittens, hats, and scarves.

She also possessed vast nutritional knowledge and loved to read about this topic. She and Dad grew a large, rich garden of most of their own vegetables, and even some fruit, for the majority of their lives, long before “organic” food was commonplace.

Mom’s great interest in health informed her commitment to her own physical fitness. She was a member of the YMCA for decades and had her set routine of work-out activities for, typically, five days a week. Our family would like to express profound appreciation to her personal, devoted caregiver, Mary Jane, who truly loved Mom and was infinitely gentle, attentive, kind and affectionate. Mom loved her very much, in return. We would like to thank the caregivers at Riverview Gardens, St. Andrew’s Residence and at St. Angela’s Meadow.

Family to receive friends on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at the Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham from 3:00 - 5:00 pm & 7:00 - 9:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will take place at 10:00 am on Friday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 180 Wellington Street, Chatham. Burial to follow in Maple Leaf Cemetery, Chatham.

FUNERAL SERVICE LIVESTREAM

Donations to the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance or to the Chatham-Kent YMCA would be appreciated by the family. 

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. 

McKinlay Funeral Home

459 St. Clair Street,

Chatham

 519 351 2040