Diane (Longabucco) Houston, age 71, passed away on October 29, 2017 after a year-long battle with cancer. She fought the battle with good humor and accepted her fate with grace.

Born on January 24, 1946 in Mt Vernon, NY, she was the daughter of Ciro Longabucco and Mary Latella. She is survived by her loving husband Robert of 44 years, daughter Tara Matthews (Chris) of Richmond, VA and son Thomas (Kelly) of Brooklyn, NY. Diane is also survived by her two grandchildren Joshua and Emily Houston.

Diane held degrees from SUNY New Paltz and Western Connecticut State University and taught elementary grades for many years in the Katonah-Lewisboro Schools where she met Robert. They resided in Danbury, CT for 30 years where they raised their children. During their summer months they spent wonderful times at their vacation home in Yarmouth Port, Cape Cod, MA.

Retiring together in 2003, they moved to Florida, eventually settling in Venice. In Venice, they were both active in the Italian-American Club. Diane also served on the board of the Venice Symphony. Diane loved to travel, cook, play bocce, make Nantucket baskets, and read to her precious grandchildren.

A viewing and memorial service for Diane will be held at noon on Saturday, November 4 at Hallett Funeral Home 273 Station Avenue, South Yarmouth, MA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the American Cancer Society or to the Scholarship Committee c/o Italian American Club of Venice PO Box 1986 Venice FL 34284-1986.

I was dismayed to note an omission in the obituary: Diane is also mourned and survived by her sister Patricia Longabucco Bishop of Duanesburg, NY.