January 23, 1924 – June 14, 2022
Information provided by Smits Funeral Home
Elizabeth Diana, nee Femminella, age 98, of Dyer, IN, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, Tuesday, June 14, 2022. Beloved wife of the late Stefano Azzara and late John Diana. Devoted mother of Stefanie (Antonio) Porcaro, Lisa (Joseph A.) Kosina, and the late Diego Azzara. Cherished grandmother of Anna (Andy) Akan, Anthony (Natalie) Porcaro, Lauren Kosina, Jacqueline Kosina, and John Kosina; great-grandmother of Adam, Michael, and Christopher Akan, Gabriella and Gianna Porcaro. Preceded in death by her parents Domenico and Calogera Femminella, and by her siblings Antonino, Baldasare, Giuseppe, Agostino, Damiana, Maria, and Antonietta Femminella. Fond aunt of many nieces and nephews.
At the young age of 26, Elizabeth found herself widowed and caring for her young daughter all alone. A couple of years prior, she lost her young son to illness. She made the brave decision to immigrate to the United States and reunited with her oldest brother, whom she had never met before. Overcoming many struggles, Elizabeth remarried; and, ten years later she had another daughter. Her family soon grew to include five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was an accomplished seamstress with a God-given talent for mending and making beautiful clothes. She was fiercely independent, a hard worker, wonderful cook, incredible mother and grandmother, and a kind and caring person. Elizabeth loved with her whole heart, and she in turn was beloved by all who knew her. She valued family above all else. Her absence from this world is deeply felt, but the love she leaves behind will linger in her family’s hearts forever.
Visitation Sunday, June 19, 2022, from 3 – 8 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN. Prayer service Monday, June 20, 2022, at 9 a.m. from the funeral home to St. Thomas More Church, 8501 Calumet Avenue, Munster, IN for 10 a.m. Funeral Mass with Rev. Michael Yadron officiating. Entombment Holy Cross Cemetery – Calumet City, IL. For further information, please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online obituary and guestbook at www.SMITSFH.com.
