Diane Deluca

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14 (NIV)

On Tuesday evening, February 20, 2024, The Lord welcomed his precious daughter, Diane DeLuca.

Diane was born October 22, 1946 in Waco, Texas to loving parents R.C. and Margaret Tull DeLuca. As an infant she contracted pertussis with pneumonia which brought health & neurological challenges. Diane was resilient in all things and had an amazing life despite the challenges. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11. She enjoyed a busy and happy childhood with her best buddy and protector, her younger brother Jim.  She had many cousins so there were lots of fun occasions all through the years. She attended Brook Avenue Elementary grade school, and went on to attend University High School. She worked for her mother, who was a beautician and owner of Diamond Point Beauty Salon, where Diane received her Cosmetology License to shampoo hair. Working in the beauty salon gave her the advantage of sporting quite a variety of new hairstyles and colors.

Diane had more than a few ‘favorite things’ in her life:  Elvis movies, spending endless hours in the family pool swimming and tanning, her Pomeranian dogs Sweet Pea and Foxy, her yellow kitty Angel, her perfume collection, family vacations, being the flower girl at her brother’s wedding, Christmas, her telephone, Bingo at the Syrian Club in the KC Hall, great birthdays, good old black and white Western sitcoms, getting a driver’s license (with special restrictions) and smoking (only momentarily) because it looked cool…just to name a few.  Her not so favorite things she faced with a child’s faith and courage: breast cancer, the loss of her father, mother and brother, and Alzheimer’s.

Diane was an avid and devoted Baylor Bear football fan, putting her season tickets to full use for over 50 years. She rarely missed a homecoming parade or a photo with the coach. She was at the last game played at Floyd Casey Stadium, and the first game at the new McLane Stadium. She would never leave at the end of a game until “That Good Old Baylor Line” was played. Her love of Baylor sports included years of baseball and basketball games, and a boat load of memorabilia and Baylor tee shirts. Her lifelong favorite soda was Dr. Pepper, which she always had in hand practically at 10, 2 and 4.

After the passing of her parents, Diane moved to be part of the community at Stilwell Retirement Residence. A new life began. The almost 16 years that followed were the Lord’s provision and gift. She had always dreamed of her own apartment. She learned to be independent, with her big brother coaching and ever at her side. She blossomed in her new environment. Her room was her castle. New and dear friends were made. She was a bright and happy presence, quick to give a compliment and hug, and helped other residents often. She played Bingo and won regularly, served in the library, served a term as wing captain, sold many a ticket to the famous annual Pancake Breakfast, rode the Stilwell transportation bus with Bruce the driver just to ride around town, and enjoyed the constant love, protection and friendship of the unique and outstanding staff who shared their lives with the residents. Throughout these years her cousins and extended family were always present, taking her out, going on trips, showering her with gifts and celebrating in so many ways. She in turn, spent years and oodles of hours on the phone happily calling everyone to say ‘hello’.

The Lord perfectly determined her time to say good bye, calling her home peacefully in her sleep with family at her side. She is forever in our hearts. She is forever alive with Jesus. We will see her again!

Diane is survived by her sister-in-law, Maury DeLuca, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and relatives who will miss her dearly.

Special thanks to Amedisys Hospice for the absolutely wonderful care and attention. Diane loved every minute with you Michelle.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Stillwell Retirement Residence at  5400 Laurel Lake Dr, Waco, TX 76710 and Amedisys Hospice Care at 510 N Valley Mills Dr #703, Waco, TX 76710