Diana Louise (Lori) Essig, 65, of Muhlenberg Twp., passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on Thursday, January 19, 2017. She was the loving wife of Thomas “Tom” H. Essig. The couple married in Dover, NJ on February 14, 1970.
Born in Manhattan, NY on December 29, 1951, Diana was a daughter of the late Carl and Cristina (Ross) Lori. She graduated from Dover High School in NJ and married Tom before moving to Reading to start a family.
Diana was affectionately known as “Lady Di”. She loved to take care of people and was known around the neighborhood as “Mom” to many. It wasn’t uncommon for her and Tom to open there home to people in need. She was very social and enjoyed making people feel special. Her family meant everything to her.
Her first job in Reading was at the Marvel Ranch downtown. She worked there several years as a waitress before she moved on to Brighter Eatery, where she worked for five years. She then worked at Chick-fil-A where she was the assistant manager for eight years. Lastly, she worked at Boscov’s Greenery as a hostess for 15 years where she was known as “Mrs. Ray of Sunshine”.
In addition to her husband, Tom, Diana is survived by two children, Thomas Essig and his companion, Marcy Millisock of Mohnton and Malinda Rose Essig and her companion, Steve Lampart of Reading; seven grandchildren, Joan, Jonn-Thomas and his wife, Samantha, Alberto, Maya, Madison, Morgan and Bella and two great grandchildren, Laila and Gracie Lou.
Also surviving are two siblings, Carl Lori and his wife, Janice of NJ and Margaret (Lori) Crosson and her husband, Philip of PA.
She is predeceased by three siblings, David Dreschel and Constance (Lori) Pollick and Cristina “Tina” Dreschel.
Liturgy of the Word prayers will be said at 11am on Saturday, January 28, 2017 in Theo C. Auman Funeral Home, 247 Penn St., Reading, PA 19601. Family and friends will be received in the funeral home on Saturday from 10 to 11am. Burial will be in Berks County Memorial Gardens, Fleetwood.
The family suggests that floral arrangements be placed at www.majesticflorals.com or contributions can be made at http://www.gofundme.com/dianes-funeral-expense.
Online condolences may be sent to www.theocauman.com
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