Diane is survived by her husband Otello Bassignani, one daughter, Susan Wilson and husband William of Stafford, VA; one son, Aldo Bassignani of New Bern; one sister of Washington State; and six grandchildren, Ashley and Eric Wilson, Caitlyn and Jordan Bassignani, and Melissa and Kyle Bassignani. She was preceded in death by her eldest son, Mario Bassignani; and her parents, Myra DeRudder and John DeRudder.
Diane was born in New York City where she graduated from Flushing High School in 1956, and married in 1958. During her life she had the fortunate opportunity to experience life here and abroad. In 1962 she moved to Washington State and resided there until 1970, then on to Hawaii where she lived until 1990. From 1984 to 1987 she resided in Yokosuka, Japan, where she had the opportunity to experience and travel Asia. During her stay in Japan she had the rewarding pleasure of teaching young Japanese school girls the American language and culture. In 1990 Diane and her husband left Hawaii and sampled the south from Florida to North Carolina, where they finally settled in New Bern to spend their retired years. Prior to her illness she had the pleasure to travel Europe.
Diane was very active in the Order of the Eastern Star, and other affiliated organizations. She was a lifetime member of Lei Aloha Chapter in Honolulu, Hawaii, where she served as Worthy Matron twice. She later joined Vida Grantham Chapter in New Bern.
The family will meet visitors at 1:00 pm Saturday, February 16, 2013, followed by a service at 2:00 pm at Village Chapel Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow the services at Greenleaf Memorial Park.
Contributions in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1305 Navaho Dr. Ste. 101, Raleigh, NC 27609; or the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 950 W. Faris Rd, Greenville, SC 29605
Online condolences may be made to the Bassignani family at www.cottenfuneralhome.com
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