Diana Solano

SHAVERTOWN — On May 14th, 2021, Diana "Dee" Battley Solano passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family.

Dee was born in Hazleton on June 30, 1949, to the late Michael and Angelina Coggiano Battley. After graduating from Hazleton Area High School, she went on to study Music Education at College Misericordia. It is during her time at Misericordia she met her husband, Joseph Solano. Dee and Joseph were married on Sept. 7, 1970. Together they had three children.

Dee served as the music director for Saint Mary's Annunciation Church for many years, and she participated in the choir at Holy Family Church. She also worked as the office manager for the family's business, A. Pickett Construction.

Employees of A. Pickett Construction, their spouses and children were Dee's extended family. She loved to organize family events, birthdays and holiday gatherings for the company; Christmas parties were her favorite. Dee delighted in seeing the employees happy and spared no expense in bringing joy to their children. Dee was also the driving force behind the A. Pickett Construction golf tournament benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Dee, much like her father, brother and Uncle Babe, also loved music. Many will recall her fondness for Disney, local amusement park Knoebels, great food, warm weather, playing slots at Harrah's for 20 to 26 hours and all things sparkly. She enjoyed gatherings with friends and family and was always sure there was an excess of food.

Dee loved her friends and family with every bit of her heart. Her smile and laughter brightened every room she entered. She made all those in her presence feel welcomed and appreciated. Dee was always concerned with others feelings, wants and needs and would put herself last.

Diana is preceded in death by her parents Michael and Angela Coggiano Battley and brother Michael Battley.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Joseph Solano. Sons Joseph Michael Solano and wife Giustina; James Alexander Solano and wife Angela; Jason Christopher Solano and wife Brandi. Sister and brother-in-law Roseann Solano Hizny and Joseph Hizny. Grandchildren Alexander, Morgan, Joseph, Olivia and Seger. And many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Michael Kovalick, Amy Thomas, RN, of Geisinger Dallas, Dr. Luke Sullivan, James, RN of Geisinger E.D., Hospice of the Sacred Heart team, especially Hope, Erin, Katherine, and Paul who had all made her final journey on earth easier.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Dee's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Hazleton Animal Shelter.

Funeral will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. from the Kopicki Funeral Home, 263 Zerbey Avenue, Kingston with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. in Holy Family Church. Friends were invited to call Tuesday at the funeral home.