Diana DeLonge French

Diana (Di) DeLonge French of Mahwah passed away peacefully in her home on December 13, 2024 at the age of 82. She is survived by her loving husband, James (Jay) French, daughters Laurie Tremblay (Mike) and Megan Suhadolc (Brian), brother, Dave DeLonge (Meng), and her grandchildren Kristyn, Kevin, Scott, Evan and Hayden. Di was preceded in death by her parents, Ken and Rachael DeLonge and her brothers, Ron and Gary DeLonge. Di grew up in Cranford, NJ and after graduating from Bucknell University, she married her high school sweetheart, Jay. They had their two daughters while living in Cranford, then moved briefly to Dallas, TX and Farmington Hills, MI, before settling in Mahwah in 1977. After raising her girls, she went to work for 22 years as an assistant to a financial planner. Di was very active in the First Presbyterian Church of Ramsey, singing in the choir and volunteering in many capacities. She treasured the friendships she made through the church, and these dear friends continued to include Di in their birthday luncheons until the end.

Anyone who knew Di knew of her passion for sports. She was an excellent skier, tennis and paddle player, and took up golf later in life so she could join Jay on the links. She was a loyal and enthusiastic fan at her grandkids’ games and looked forward to each one. During baseball games, fellow spectators could count on Di for score updates because she diligently kept her own score book. At home, she watched all kinds of sports on TV – golf, tennis, basketball, baseball and football. Her favorite by far, though, was her beloved Yankees, and if she couldn’t watch them on TV, she’d be listening to the game on her car radio. Yankee fans among us are hoping she can now pull some strings in our favor from above.

Di was always up for an adventure. She and Jay took many vacations with close friends, traveling to destinations that included Paris, Barcelona, Prague, Budapest, Alaska and the Caribbean. Dear to her heart were annual trips with family – golfing in Hilton Head and Palm Desert, and front yard picnics and games at the summer home in Grafton, VT.

Di’s five grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she delighted in her role as Gramma. Tuesdays were her favorite day because she got to spend them taking care of Kristyn, Kevin & Scott when they were young. She made those days special by filling them with sports, reading, games and laughter. For her grandsons in Utah, Evan and Hayden, she didn’t let the distance prevent her from being just as present in their lives. She visited the boys multiple times a year, never missing the much-anticipated Christmas trip, and loved getting updates on all their activities.

Di’s family will be forever grateful to caretakers Maggie and Veronica for their compassionate and dedicated care for Di over the past five years. A Memorial Service for Di will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 11 am at the First Presbyterian Church of Ramsey, NJ.. Donations in Di’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

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