Diane H. Jannette's Obituary
Diane H. Jannette born on July 3rd, 1928 in Huntington, WV raised in Philadelphia, PA passed peacefully with her family around her. She is preceded in death by her husband, Albert C. Jannette; daughter, Helen A. Rush; mother, Dorothy Leabourne; father, Russell Leabourne; and brother, Russell Leabourne jr.
She is survived by her brother, Donald (Marge) Leabourne; daughter, Dorothea (John) Trendler; daughter, Marybeth (Vince) Malanowski; daughter, Caroleanne (Bruce) Vorac and son, Brian Jannette. Eight Grandchildren; Jennifer (Herb), James (Steph), Kristopher, Keith (Kamelia), Anna, Amber (Dominick), Niki and Anthony. Nine Great-Grandchildren; Madison, Garrett, Kassidy, Aiden, Aubree, Kylie, Corba, Lyndon and Dominick Jr. plus many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Mom and Dad moved to Florida in 1971 where Mom worked as the Director of Housekeeping at the Tides Hotel and Bathclub till she retired in 1990.
Mom's life revolved around her family and many close friends. She lived life in the moment which was normally with family...she would say, "The most important thing in life is family and I'm the richest woman in the world." She loved family gatherings, family vacations, holidays but especially Christmas, it was her favorite. Mom was a GREAT baker! Her candies, cakes and cookies were always a hit. She would always make more than enough for everyone. Some of her famous treats were buckeyes, coconut creams, pineapple upside down cake, bundt cake, spritz cookies, snowballs (Russian Tea) and the most famous, delicious, rare delight was her Pumpkin Cookies. The brown sugar frosting covering the moist fluffy pumpkin/raisin cookie is
unbelievably YUMMY!!
Mom loved Frank Sinatra Ol' Blue Eyes. Dad took her to see him in Philadelphia where she got a signed autograph picture that she treasured. In her younger years, Dad and her would jitterbug, kick up a rug at parties. Dad worked at The Shubert Theater and they saw many Broadway shows. One of her favorites, Fiddler on the Roof.
Mom was a member of the British Club for many years; the group loved her even though she wasn't British. She enjoyed the annual events especially the SPIFF's. Mom recruited us and the Grandkids to dress up as Kings, Queens and Beefeaters to march in the parade.
Mom loved the beach but wasn't a swimmer. One year we were clamming at the Skyway and Mom caught a mullet in her bathing suit...the funniest thing I've ever witnessed. Needless to say it was a catch and release.
Mom loved to play cards, lottery, bingo and go to the casino. She was lucky but never won a big jackpot as she would say, "Not enough to make you quit working."
Mom's faith is very strong, she always called God, Sam. "Sam and I have a special relationship" she would say, "Don't worry about me and Sam, we are good. I have a place in heaven."
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to the Leukemia Foundation.
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