Diane Kay Panfile

Diane Kay Panfile (Molgaard), 78, of Mahwah passed away on January 30, 2026. Diane was surrounded and loved by her family at all times, she was fortunate to remain home and have her large family with her as she gained her wings.
Diane was born in Storm Lake, IA to her parents Frederick and Marjorie. She remained in Iowa until early adulthood, growing up on farms with her siblings. Diane is predeceased by her parents and her siblings: Dennis, Deborah, Robert, Sandra and Susan. She remains very loved by her adoring niece, Lisa Brus.
Diane left Iowa and moved to VT and then to NJ where she settled with her husband Allen Panfile Sr, and grew her most prized possession, her family. Al's parents (Bill and Alice) were a very big part of Diane's life and because they showed her and her children extraordinary warmth and love, she was happy to repay the favor in their golden years and assist with taking care of them.
Diane's life was centered around caring for children, hers and many others. She ran an in-home daycare where she raised hundreds of children over her almost 50 year career. She had the patience of a saint and a touch so loving and soothing that it could calm any crying baby. There is nobody that could possibly wrangle 10-14 daycare children, by herself, while raising her 5 children. Her calm demeanor and everlasting patience were the secret to having a dozen children on a schedule to eat three home cooked meals, take naps and have playtime at the same time each day so she could maintain a spotless household and ensure a warm, home cooked meal was on the table each night for own family. Diane was a professional juggler and was able to hold more crying children at once than should be possible, while showering them with love, understanding, lots of hugs and kisses and the basic skills they needed to enter kindergarten.
Diane's children devoted their last few years to making sure her last years were filled with as much love as their mom gave them their entire lives. Troy, Allen (Claire), Cory (Heather) and Amanda (Michael) and Josh cherished their mom more than anything in the world, and while devastated for their loss, they are grateful that Diane has gone to heaven to be with their youngest sibling Joshua who predeceased her only 10 months ago.
Diane was extremely proud of each and every one of her grandchildren and looked forward to every chance she got to babysit them, bring them places or just sit next to them watching TV over the years. Bella, Brayden, Ellie, Aidan, Annabelle, Isabella, Alivia, Logan, Tyler (Maria), Gavin (Ariah), Riley (Joseph) and Liam will always be loved by Grandma, and they have all gained an angel that will watch over them as they grow into successful adults and have families of their own.
Diane was surrounded by some of the most special adopted family members over the last few years who took time out of their lives to make sure that she was happy, comfortable and loved. Keeping her in her home would not have been possible without her bonus daughters. Diane adored her sunshine Erica, her bright and early Paulina, her adoring Sindy, her Angel Gloria and her dearest friend Donna Daveniero.
Diane and her family will be forever grateful to all of the amazing neighbors on Strong street who assisted with emergencies, keeping a watchful eye, and checking in on Al and Diane. Heartfelt thank yous to Gregg and Danielle and Eric and Danielle for being there through some of the hardest times in the last year.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday February 3, 2026 4pm-8pm at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home 257 Godwin Ave. Wyckoff, NJ 07481. A funeral service is planned for Wednesday February 4, 2026 10am at the funeral home. Interment to follow at Maryrest Cemetery, Mahwah, NJ 07430.