Joanne M. Szafranski

                (Dianna)

Joanne passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at Seasons Hospice in Christiana Hospital, on Saturday, February 1, 2014.

Joanne was the daughter of Irene Dianna who predeceased her.  She was sister to Joseph Dianna and his wife Carol, of Newark. DE. She was also predeceased by her sister, Maryann Dianna and her brother, John Dianna.

Joanne attended St. Hedwig Elementary School and graduated from St. Paul's Commercial All Girls Catholic High School. She began her executive secretarial career with Electric Hose & Rubber after graduating high school. She received many awards and accolades for her service to the company. She then began a long term career with St. Hedwig Elementary School, first volunteering as librarian then becoming secretary for 25+ years. She had a loving and caring heart for the children and families of the school. Joanne touched the lives of all who knew her.

Joanne was also very active in St. Hedwig Church serving on Parish Council, Finance Council, St. Vincent DePaul Society, Polish Festival Committee and a member of the Holy Rosary Society.  She received the Distinguished Graduate Award in 2001 for service to the parish community along with her husband.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Leonard D. Szafranski and her 3 children, Andrea M. Szafranski Booth and husband Marty of Wilmington, DE, Cynthia M. Szafranski of New Castle, DE, and Christopher Szafranski and wife Ann, of New Castle, DE; 6 granddaughters, Elyse, Ashley, Amber, Kelsie, Laci and Christine; 1 great granddaughter, Victoria and nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday morning, February 6, 2014, at 11 am in St. Hedwig Church, Linden and S. Harrison Streets, Wilmington, DE.  Visitation for Joanne will be held on Wednesday evening in St. Hedwig Church from 5:30-8:00pm. There will be no visitation before Mass on Thursday morning.  Burial will follow Mass in the Cathedral Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be sent to: St Hedwig Church 408 S. Harrison Street, Wilmington, DE 19805, Salesianum School 1801 N. Broom Street, Wilmington, DE 19802 or  Seasons Hospice 4755 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Newark, DE 19718.

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