Louise M. Di Dia, 90, of East Windsor passed away at home after a short battle with pancreatic cancer on Tuesday, August 1, 2017. Born in Ancon, Panama Canal Zone at the US Army Hospital, she resided in both Elizabeth and Edison NJ, before moving to East Windsor 33 years ago.
Louise began her working career as a telephone operator with New Jersey Bell in Newark NJ and soon after met her husband of 61 years, Nicholas Di Dia Sr. Along with raising four children, Louise was active in her community and parish of Edison, as well as being a fitness instructor, a Mary Kay cosmetics consultant and Weight Watchers advisor.
After moving to East Windsor, she continued and expanded her community and church involvement. An active quilter, golfer, and bowler, Louise was perhaps known best as “Director of Illumination” for St Anthony of Padua RC Church, where she oversaw the placement and maintenance of the church candles. As a lay minister she also helped countless individuals throughout the wider church community, with both her energy and positive outlook. All who knew her will sorely miss her.
She is survived by four children, Mary Lou, Mark, Kenneth and Nicholas Jr. (Amanda); five grandchildren, Billy, Brian, Nicolette, Dominique and Paloma Grace, two great grandchildren Jameson and Luna, and many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held Saturday, August 5, 2017, at St. Anthony of Padua R.C. Church, 251 Franklin Street, Hightstown, NJ 08520 starting at 10 am and followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 pm. The family has requested a private burial later in the week at Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, North Hanover Township.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Louise's name may be made to the St. Anthony of Padua R.C. Church Helping Hands, 156 Maxwell Ave., Hightstown, NJ 08520, or Hospice Program/Princeton Foundation, 88 Princeton-Hightstown Road, Suite 202, Princeton Junction, NJ 08850. Arrangements are under the direction of the Barlow & Zimmer Funeral Home, Hightstown.