Diane Roberta (Nelson) Bongiorno

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Bongiorno, Diane Roberta (Nelson) Beloved sister, aunt, and friend Diane Bongiorno of Bloomington, 78, died February 4, 2024, after a brief illness, surrounded by her loving family. Diane came into this world on March 8, 1945, and grew up in south Minneapolis. She was confirmed at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, where she would remain a lifelong active member. Diane's charismatic personality emerged early at Southwest High School, where she graduated in 1963. She studied education at the U of M, receiving her BA degree in 1967, and later earned her master's degree in education at Mankato State. Diane was born to be a teacher. As a child, she lined up her dolls in classroom form and taught younger neighbors and cousins the ABCs. Later, she was a favorite fifth-grade teacher in Bloomington Public Schools for 32 years and adored her students, just as they adored her right back. Her first retirement was brief as she soon answered the call to teach preschool for 17 more years, a total of 49 years in the classroom. Diane created and nurtured devoted friendships and love throughout her life. Her kindness and thoughtfulness made everyone she touched feel loved and special. She loved to have fun, traveled extensively, organized parties and prayer groups, never forgot a birthday, and was just an amazing and beloved human being. Her whole life Diane was teaching all of us how to live - fully, with joy and vivacious fun, with treasured friends and family, giving and gracious always. In her last weeks, she also taught us how to die - with grace, dignity, peace, and a legacy of deep faith and love. Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Carol and Harry Nelson, brother Bruce Nelson, and niece Jolie-Claire Mavity. She is survived by sister Sandra Mavity; nephews and nieces Patrick Mavity (Gayla Marty), Anne Star Mavity (Tom Fulton), Jolene Rice, and Brett Nelson (Annie); grand-nieces and nephews Claire Mavity (Chris Loch), Will Mavity, Henry Klaverkamp, and Mariel Klaverkamp; great-grand- nieces and nephew Melissa Mavity, Josie Mavity, and Finn Loch; her former husband Vito Bongiorno; and so many dear friends who will carry her love, faith, and legacy with them. A celebration of life for Diane will be held at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Av S, Minneapolis, on Friday, March 8, at 2pm with visitation from 1-2pm and a light reception will follow the service. Private interment. (mtolivet.org/livestream/).  Memorials preferred to Mount Olivet Lutheran Church. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Published on March 3, 2024