Diane M. Mendel

Diane M. Mendel, age 84 of the Oak Valley section of Deptford Township, passed away on Saturday, December 6, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Born in Philadelphia to the late Angelo Perna and Mary (nee Binanti), she graduated from St. Maria Goretti High School's first graduating class in 1958. Diane moved to Oak Valley in 1962 and raised two daughters. She worked at CBS Records as a Photo-type setter, then worked for Junior Achievement where she retired. After retirement she opened "Hearts & Crafts" in Woodbury Heights with her friend. She loved doing crafts and talking to her customers. She was known as the "bartender" of the craft shop! She was definitely a "people person" Diane volunteered at Infant Jesus Parish in the rectory office in the evenings for many years. She also helped with the SVDP Society. She was a member of St. Margaret's annual carnival committee from 1989-2023. Early on, before St. Margaret School had a convent, she and her mother cooked for the sisters periodically. Diane loved to travel which included cruises to the Panama Canal, Hawaii, Bermuda & Bahamas, and trips to Italy, Hong Kong, and Japan. Most of all she loved "Family Game Night" with her family.
She is survived by her daughters, Sharon Sandone (Nick), and Danielle Mendel; three grandchildren, Lisa Sandone-McCausland (Bill), Nick Sandone, III and Brianna Mendel (Isaac); 5 great grandchildren, Anjalaya & Makayla Ashe and Jacob, Everett, and Emmett White; sister-in-law, Lucille Perna and beloved nieces & nephews and great nieces & nephews. Diane was predeceased by her brothers, Angelo & Philip (Carol) Perna.
Relatives and friends may visit from 6 pm to 8 pm on Thursday, December 11th at Smith Funeral Home, 47 Main Street, Mantua, NJ,
or on Friday, December 12th at Infant Jesus Parish at St. Margaret's Church, 3rd & Beech Streets, Woodbury Heights, NJ, 10:00am - 11:30am with Mass to follow at 11:45am.
Burial will follow Mass on Friday at New St. Mary's Cemetery in Bellmawr, NJ.
As an expression of sympathy, contributions can be made to Infant Jesus Parish, 334 Beech Street, Woodbury Heights, NJ 08097 or Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania (CHOP) at www.chop.edu.