Diane Mlenak

Diane Elaine (Preuster) Mlenak, 59, of Toms River, New Jersey became an angel to watch over those she loved on February 8, 2021 at 4:49 pm at Community Medical Center from COVID-19. Diane was born in Belleville, NJ where she graduated from Belleville High School before finding the love of her life, Steven George Mlenak. Diane married her “hun” on May 7, 1983 and welcomed two beautiful children, Steven G. Mlenak Jr., and Jacquelyn D. Mlenak shortly after. Diane is survived by her husband Steven, her son and “little guy” Stevie (Vincenzina Mlenak, “Nene”), her daughter and “pumpkin pie” Jacquelyn, and the lights of her life- her two granddaughters Vincenza Mia (“Musha-Moo”) and Patricia Anna (“Honey Bunny”). Diane is also survived by her mother, Loretta Preuster, her three sisters, her "sissies", Denise Lewis (George Lewis), Debi Coto, Donna Preuster (Kip Kramer)and her brother and sister-in-law John and Susie Mlenak. Diane was a devoted aunt to her beloved and adored nieces and nephews: Stacy Chilton (Chris Chilton), Stephanie Frankenfield (Stan Frankenfield), Riley Grace and Raelynn Frankenfield, Chelsea, Julian, and Ci Elle Coto, Cole and Cade Kramer, Alberto, Keith, and Julian Mlenak.  

It would be easy to say that Diane Mlenak was an incredible human being, a friend to all, and a surrogate mother to literally every person she came into contact with.  This is too simple of an explanation of the impact and amount of love this one woman spread to every single individual Diane took into her heart.  A small business owner in Toms River, owning both the Bey Lea Deli and The Galleria Day Spa, she touched the hearts and lives of people everyday from her patrons to her employees.  This woman would drop the world in order to offer help, support, and love to anyone who needed her- family or not. Her family was the center of her universe and she was the center of the family.  A natural leader, a force to be reckoned with, and the glue that held the family together.  Her constant mantra, “family is of the utmost”, is a part of a long legacy that she leaves to her family and friends. If you were one of the many individuals she called her friend, please know that you were not simply a friend, but a member of our family, forever. 

Diane was predeceased by her father, Arthur Preuster, her mother and father-in-law Pasqualina and Abraham Mlenak, and her sister-in-law Patricia J. Mlenak. 

There will be a private celebration of life to honor Diane.  In lieu of flowers, donations made in her name to St. Jude's Children's Hospital are being accepted.