Diane C. Zanni

Diane C. Zanni, 80, a longtime resident of Swampscott, peacefully passed away at Select Specialty Hospital in Lake Worth, FL, on May 24, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on February 9, 1945, she was the daughter of the late Malcom and Kathleen Silliter, and the beloved wife of Dr. Jerry Zanni.
Diane was born in North Reading and raised in Lawrence, where she met the love of her life, Jerry, in high school. Their deep and enduring love was the foundation of a life filled with cherished memories. Diane pursued her education with passion, attending Mcintosh Business School before earning her bachelor's degree at Endicott College and later obtaining her master's degree in education from Lesley College. Her dedication to learning and helping others defined much of her life's work. She loved boating and spending quality time with family and friends on the water. Her family was her greatest treasure, and her grandchildren brought her immense joy and blessings.
A woman of deep faith and service, Diane was an active member of St. John's Church, where she taught CCD and founded the St. John's Beacon Children's Program. Her commitment to guiding and nurturing young minds left an enduring impact on many. She also dedicated her time to volunteering at Massachusetts General Hospital, serving in its chaplaincy, and working tirelessly for the American Cancer Society, always seeking ways to give back and support those in need. Following her retirement from the Beacon Program, Diane embarked on a successful career in real estate, where she worked for over 15 years.
Diane will be dearly missed and is survived by her beloved husband of 58 years and high school sweetheart, Jerry Zanni; sister Karen Silliter; loving sons, Chris Zanni and his wife Wanda, and Keith Zanni and his wife Lisa, as well as her grandchildren; Drew, Megan, Melissa, Isabella, and Sophia.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend calling hours on Friday, May 30, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at SOLIMINE FUNERAL HOME, 67 Ocean Street, Lynn. A funeral mass will take place on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 1:00 PM at St. John the Evangelist Church, 174 Humphrey St, Swampscott. Burial will follow at Swampscott Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Diane's memory to Shriners Childrens, https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/ or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate/.