Diane Frances Corjulo

Diane Frances Corjulo (nee Hunt) passed away on January 14, 2026, eight years after being diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. In her final days, as it was throughout her life, Diane was supported and surrounded by friends, family, and loved ones. She is remembered for her kind, caring, and playful spirit that touched countless lives.

Diane was born November 7, 1961, in Rockville Centre, NY. She was a graduate of South Side High School (class of 1979), the University of Rhode Island School of Nursing (class of 1983), and University of New Haven’s Masters program (class of 2016). Diane's 30-plus years in the nursing field set the standard for professional, compassionate and empathetic care. She spent the majority of her career working as an Oncology Nurse, and clinical manager of multiple cancer centers. Her leadership and abiding kindness exemplified what it means to be in a caring profession, and she had a lasting impact on her patients, families, and colleagues.

Diane was just as caring and giving in her life outside of work. She built a beautiful life with her devoted husband of 40 years, Michael Thomas, and together they turned hosting into an art form. They held innumerable holidays, barbecues, and celebrations in their homes over the years, and anyone who joined the party was welcomed as family. Diane enjoyed baking, gardening, and flower arranging. She was an avid music fan who loved live shows, 70s classic rock, and Bruce Springsteen. She cherished taking vacations with loved ones from Cape Cod to Nashville to the Grand Canyon, Tuscany, and beyond.

Diane adored her animals, and nothing brought her peace like a morning coffee with a family cat or three on her lap. She spent her childhood showering affection on cats Pepper, Butter, and Cinnamon; as she raised her family, black cats Junior, Bella, and Yodel lived (mostly) long and illustrious lives. In her later years, Diane’s cats Owen and Yuma brought her laughter and comfort while coping with the pain of her disease. While cats had her heart, she had plenty of love to give to their dogs as well—from Bobo in early marriage, to Roxanne as a beloved family dog.

The love Diane had for the animals in her life was dramatically outshone by the love she had for children. In her own childhood Diane was the most sought-after babysitter on the street where she grew up. Children seemed magnetically drawn to Diane’s calm demeanor and comforting presence. The Band-Aids she placed on wounds large and small, the hands she held crossing the street, the songs she sang and danced to, the concerts and sports games and birthday parties she enthusiastically attended, and the listening ears she provided are all too many to count. Of course, the children who remained closest to her heart until the end of her days were her two sons. Diane was a devoted and delighted mother, and no one could make her laugh quite like her boys could. They were the pride and joy of her life.

Diane was the beloved wife of Michael Thomas Corjulo, and mother of Michael Robert (wife, Kimberly) and Matthew Peter (wife, Melissa). Diane was the proud and loving grandmother of Miller James, Maddox Luke, Mallory Shea, and Elliott Michael Corjulo. She is survived by her siblings Mary Mullin, Peter (wife, Debbie) Hunt, Elizabeth (husband, Brian) Murray, Catherine (husband, Martin) Warten, and Terence (wife, Mary) Hunt.

“Aunt Di” is survived by her many nieces and nephews who brought her endless joy, as well as their spouses and children whom she always welcomed as part of her family. She counted her friends as her extended family, and is survived by the dear ones with whom she shared her life and love. She was predeceased, and is now embraced again, by her treasured parents Trudy and Peter. Their deep and constant love shaped Diane’s life, and now guides her into her next journey. We are all blessed to have had her in our lives.

A special thank you and heartfelt gratitude goes out to all those who helped us navigate the challenges of dementia throughout Diane’s diagnosis—at home in Guilford; at Mary Wade in New Haven, where she resided for almost three years; and most recently at Benchmark in Hamden, where she was so well cared for in her final days.

A wake will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Swan Funeral Home, 825 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Margaret’s Church, 24 Academy Street, Madison, CT.

To share your memories or offer a message of condolence, please click the box below.

Donations can be made in Diane’s memory to Hilarity for Charity at wearehfc.org/, or Mary Wade Assisted Living at marywade.org/giving/why-give/.