Diane May (Scalzo) Stackow, our "Nana", passed away in Holly Hill, FL on December 24, 2014 at the age of 70. Born in Niagara Falls, NY on October 29 1944 within earshot of the thunderous Niagara Falls, the daughter of Horace ("Bill") and Harriet (Kay) Scalzo, Diane lived most of her life in the Western New York region around Niagara Falls. There she enjoyed raising a family and working at Bell Aerospace, The Betty Davis Candy Co, The Niagara Gazette and retiring from the Social Security Administration in the mid 90s. The sleepy hamlet of Youngstown, New York was home for most of her adult life. After enduring many long, cold winters in New York, Diane moved to the Daytona Beach, FL area in retirement. There she was a frequent contributor to her community's art and craft events, holiday planning, and enjoyed her friends at the pool. Diane had a love for reading, history, handcrafts, her pets, and more than anything else, laughing. She was an avid bargain hunter, frequently stopping by garage sales and thrift shops to see if there were any good "bargoons" to be had. Her encouraging spirit and compassionate support helped those she knew to grow to be their very best. She also helped an extended group of cousins and friends to always feel like one big family. Diane is predeceased by her brother William Scalzo, and survived by her sisters JoAnn Boardman and Nancy Burnett, her children Wendy Cirrito, Robert Stackow and Laura Stackow, and 4 grandchildren, Natalie Stackow, Olivia Cirrito, Shenandoah Stackow and Donovan Stackow. In raising us, she always saw our young family as a gang, arguing with each other one moment, and fiercely protecting each other the next. She instilled a sense of courage and toughness in us that allowed us to face the world knowing she was always there to catch us if we fell. Growing up in New York surrounded by the rich history and culture of the Native Americans from the area, she often said that she could have been one in a previous life. We all hope her next adventure will be just as grand. She will be forever loved and missed, and Heaven is now a little more joyful as she fills its halls with her love and laughter. In lieu of flowers, donations in Diane's name can be made to a local or national chapter of the ASPCA. A celebration of Diane's life with friends and family will be held in Niagara Falls, NY this summer.
Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Ormond. Thank you to everyone that supported Tom and our family during this time and will continue to do so.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com