Diona Patryce Demarco Graham

Diona DeMarco Graham was born on November 8, 1977, to Laurel and Les DeMarco. Her parents were only teenagers when she had her, so her paternal grandparents, Barb and John, raised her. She grew up in Northridge, a charming neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, CA. During her childhood, Diona had many friends from school and from playing soccer. As a young teenager, she even reconnected with her birth parents. While she was grateful for the chance to build a relationship with her mother, it did not completely heal the feeling of abandonment she carried in her heart.

In her mid-teens, Diona took a different path from her friends when she became pregnant. She and her boyfriend, Rod, named their baby Victoria and began their journey as very young parents without much support from their families. Unfortunately, after a year of raising Tori, Diona's family decided it was in her best interest to find a loving family that could care for her better than they could. This decision was very hard on Diona’s family, and she found herself lacking the support she needed. However, Diona was courageous, strong, smart, and a fiercely loyal friend, so her friends supported her as best they could through her journey into adulthood.

Through many ups and downs in her life, Diona experienced numerous adventures and accomplishments. She lived her life to the fullest. She had a lot of fun, loved with her whole heart, and worked hard. However, she struggled with mental illness and substance abuse, which made her life significantly more challenging than she deserved. On February 12, 2008, Diona gave birth to her second daughter, Ruby. Ruby’s father, Leon “Sonny” LaCount, and Diona were blessed that day, and Ruby became the catalyst for Diona’s journey to recovery.

Shortly after Ruby was born, Diona met Dave Graham. Dave and Diona fell in love and later got married in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by friends, family, and little Ruby as a flower girl. Dave was the anchor Diona needed in her life. She felt supported, loved, and optimistic about the future. When the COVID pandemic hit, it created fear and uncertainty. Diona’s mental health took a nosedive, and sadly, she was unable to pull herself out of that hole.

As we gather to honor Diona’s life and legacy, let us celebrate the profound impact she made on our lives and the countless memories that will forever be etched in our hearts. She gave us her love and loyalty so generously. She was tough, sharp, fun, and made us laugh until our sides ached. She was a devoted friend, a fabulous cook,had an amazing singing voice, and a presence that filled any room she entered. I can only hope that she knew how much she was loved in return. May she rest in peace, and may her memory be a blessing to us all.

Diona is survived by her husband, Dave; her daughter, Ruby La Count; the La Count family; and her close friends Tamar, Sharone, Cherie, and Michelle, along with many other friends. As we bid farewell, we carry forward the light of her spirit, a guiding star in our hearts. In loving memory, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and a love so generously given. Rest in peace, forever cherished and never forgotten.