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Diana Leone Obituary
Jan. 20, 1940 - May 12, 2015
San Jose and Maui
Diana Leone passed away Tuesday evening after a courageous battle with cancer. So many lives were enriched by her wonderful authenticity, creativity and love.
Diana was born in Modesto CA and graduated from Downey High School. After giving birth to her two sons, Diana pursued and earned her degree in Art Education at San Jose State University. For the next 23 years she owned the Quilting Bee in Los Altos and Mountain View. She was a published author of several quilting books including the renowned "The New Sampler Quilt" as well as a fabric designer. After retiring from the Quilting Bee in 1997 she returned to the real love of her life-painting. She painted in both watercolor and oil mediums. Her pieces are still on display at the Los Gatos Museum Gallery and also at the Maui Hands Gallery in Maui.
Diana is survived by Ed, her loving husband of 57 years, her two sons, Eddie and Joe, and her brother Marcus. She is also survived by 4 grandchildren and 4 great- grandchildren.
Celebrations of her life will be held in both San Jose and Maui at a later date. Notices of dates can be found on CarePages.com under DianaLeonesJourney. If you would like to share stories of Diana, feel free to post a message on her page.
In lieu of flowers, a donation fund in Diana's name will be established. Information regarding this fund will also be available on CarePages.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Diana Leone
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
Lesly-Claire Greenberg
May 9, 2025
At this point so many friends have joined you. 2025 Rest in Peace, you are all missed.
Arlene Cosio
November 25, 2015
I posted a message shortly after Diana passed away,, so sorry Ed as Hank and I always enjoyed you and Diana's company, especially in Maui. I am assuming that by now your heard that Hank passed away August 16th 2013. Miss him every day, as I a, sure you miss Diana. call me when you feel up,to,talking (775h750-0795 hugs Arlene
Rob & Eleanor Domville
November 24, 2015
Dear Ed,
We have just learned of Diana's passing.
Our last exchange with Diana took place while see had just come back from another session of treatment. She bravely insisted on taking our call despite her obvious weakness at the time and was adamant that she would try to straighten out a mix-up on booking dates, even offering your family unit at Maui Banyan. She always wanted her guests to have a wonderful experience.
We never did manage to meet face-to- face with Diana but we always felt that we had a new friend in this lovely lady.
Ed,our condolences to you and your family on your loss.
Anita Dippery
November 9, 2015
Diana was my teacher and inspiration for my journey into quilting. She was always affirming and helpful to bring the best work from me. I remember I was designing a quilt for my sons 32 birthday and I was stuck. I knew a certain color was a bit off, but couldn't figure it out. I went to Diana's Sudio. She went right for a piece of material and gave it to me and it was the answer. I marvel at her artistry and am so glad we crossed paths. She was a true gift for me and I will always remember her warmth and generous spirit . Anita Dippery, Memlo Park
Paula Johnson
August 12, 2015
Eddie, I just heard of Diana's passing and will always remember the joy and inspiration she brought into my life at the beautiful Quilting Bee. Sincere condolences to you and your family.
May 20, 2015
So very sorry to hear of Diana's passing. What an amazing influence she has been, and will continue to be on the quilting world. I'll never forget her and so glad she is still influencing quilters through your contributions.
May 19, 2015
Diana was such an inspiration. She handled the final months of her illness with dignity and calmness. It was a privilege to have known her.
My prayers and sympathies to out to Ed and her family. Aloha, Koana Smith, Napili, Maui
Lesly-Claire Greenberg
May 19, 2015
So sorry to hear of Diana's passing. She introduced me to my first Quilt Market in 1981. Fond memories of shows and traveling so long ago.
Patti Carey
May 19, 2015
Eddie, so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. I will always remember the first time she approached Northcott with some fabric designs. It was at a Quilt Market, and her designs were sewing-themed. My dad asked her if she had any other art, so she showed him her fabulous contemporary paintings. He said "Can we print these instead?" and the expression of joy on your mom's face was incredible. I thought she was going to cry! I still have some of that original fabric from Earth Series.
Abbie Miller
May 19, 2015
Diana was a light so bright so inspirational. She encouraged us all to be creative and provided us the tools we needed! Diana will be missed, my heartfelt sympathy to her family.
Kim LaPolla
May 18, 2015
I'm sorry to hear of Diane's passing. She was inspirational and so generous with her knowledge! I worked briefly at the Quilting Bee in Los Altos in the 1980s and also took several classes from Diane. Her instruction still inspires my work today. She definitely made her mark and will be sorely missed.
May 18, 2015
So Sorry to hear of Dianas struggle and passing,I will always remember our fun time in Maui. I cant beleive its been almost 2 years since cancer took Hank,well now heaven has another angel. My sincere condolences Ed to you and the family. Arlene Cosio Gardnerville ,NV
Linda and Doug Mitchell
May 17, 2015
We are missing Diana and remembering the good times we shared.
Hank and Pat Verissimo
May 17, 2015
We were so sorry to learn about Diana's passing. She will always be remembered for her artistic talent. She was a caring and loving person. We will miss you.
Our deepest sympathy to Ed and her family.
Hank and Pat
May 15, 2015
My condolences to the family of Ms Leone. May our caring God support you during this difficult time. 1 Peter 5 : 7
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