Diane Whitman DeFelice

Diane Whitman DeFelice (1943 – 2026) passed away on January 31, 2026, at the age of 82. Born in Chillicothe, Ohio, she graduated from Leon High School and Florida State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education. She began her career as a high school English teacher and, through it, formed friendships that remained close and meaningful throughout her life.

In May 1974, Diane met Sal DeFelice. They were married in November 1976 and recently celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary. Together, they built a life rooted in family and love, welcoming their daughter, Christina, in 1978, and their son, David, in 1982.

In 1981, her friends Karen, Kathy, and Wanda opened Cross Stitch Cupboard and invited her to join them in working together. She worked there and then at the Yellow Orchid for over 40 years, forming friendships with her co-workers and many customers who became family. This work gave her the flexibility to spend meaningful time with her children and remain deeply involved in their lives - volunteering at school and serving at First Presbyterian Church, where she was a devoted member for over 40 years.

A few years ago, after living in Fort Lauderdale for 50 years, Diane, along with Sal and David, moved to Tallahassee to be closer to family. It was a big change, but she enjoyed the opportunity to see her grandchildren more often and help with their activities. She also transferred membership to Faith Presbyterian Church and enjoyed helping with the Sealey Elementary volunteer project.

Everyone who met Diane remembered her warm smile, and anyone who knew her well could count on receiving one of her letters, whether a thank-you note, a holiday or birthday card, or words of encouragement. We often wondered how much she spent on postage throughout her lifetime! Diane was also an avid reader and had a deep interest in learning about the stories and history of the Holocaust.

Diane is survived by her husband, Sal DeFelice (Tallahassee), daughter Christina (Jason), and son David (Tallahassee), sister Sharon Mendenhall (Cartersville), grandchildren Benjamin and Sarah Kate (Tallahassee), along with numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wade and Kathryn Whitman; her sister, Sally Austin; and her nephew, Michael Eubanks.

A private family graveside service will be held at Tallahassee Memory Gardens, with celebrations of life planned at a later date in both Fort Lauderdale and Tallahassee. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.