Memories
“Eat this shit or I’ll throw it away”
—Diane Mori
To say we are a close family is a gross understatement. Growing up, my Mom, Dad, Diane, Robert, David and I spent our weeknights at family dinners discussing school, friends, sports, life, everything. We gathered in the family room to watch TV and if I was lucky as a kid, Diane would take me to Ted Drew’s for ice cream or let me take the wheel of her new Camaro. On Sundays, we had extended family lunches with way too much pasta, sips of wine, and loud Italian relatives. Christmas, Easter, The 4th of July, birthdays, they were all over-celebrated. We had a big, loud, beautiful family. My mother was the CEO. The Don. My Dad, my brothers, and I were just there for show. My sister Diane was heir apparent. As time passed, we boys gained a brother, Jim. He fit in like he was always there. We needed him, even though we outnumbered my mom and sister, we needed another male point of view. Later came Michael and Rachel, and the fam was set. For the next 10 or so years, we were loving life. My bro’s and I were finishing up college and my mom and Dad were hugging and kissing grandkids. It was perfect. But it happens to all of us, time passes, we get a little older, and things change. My parents passed away. Diane got sick. My brothers died. The dinner table got smaller. Diane stayed strong even with her illness and we carried on. Now she’s been taken away from us. My family may be smaller, but Jim and I, Michael and Rachel, my kids Maddie and Nick, and my nephew Josh will carry on. My mom and dad, my sister, and my brothers may no longer be with us in body, but they will always be with us in spirit and have a seat at our dinner table. ️
—Tony Johnston (Diane’s little brother)
“Eat the fuckin meatball!”
— Diane Mori
Diane was a super human in every way. From the moment we met she immediately treated me like I had been in the family for years. People like Diane are hard to find and impossible to forget. She was fearless and always full of spunk with a huge beaming smile. I’ll never forget her feeding me endless meals and desserts, sending never ending IMOS pizza supplies, and just being there for me whenever I needed someone to talk to. She was truly an amazing woman and I am honored to have been accepted into the Mori clan by her. She will be missed dearly and will be celebrated every single day of my life <3
—Dean Roper
“You’re making my balls hang”
—Diane Mori
I hold Diane in the innermost space of my heart, a place for those who have left but those I must never forget. She cared for me like a second mother and likely contributed to my early childhood chubbiness (oh my God, her cooking…). She is the mother of my two oldest friends and the strength she cultivated in them was clearly hers to bestow. I once ate the corner scoop from her eggplant Parmesan before she had served the dish, and let me tell you, the strength in her eyes reduced me to a withered husk of a boy. It was also that same strength that helped keep me standing when my father died of cancer, days after she too was diagnosed. Indeed, her strength as a cook was extraordinary, but it was her strength as a mother that is of legend.
I recently read that death is not the end, but rather is a change of place and time. I do not know the time of our next meeting, but I can see the “where” perfectly. She is standing in her beautiful custom kitchen, laughing her sweet Diane laugh with my father by her side. One arm congratulates him on some cheesy but charming joke he just told, while the other stirs a crimson red tomato sauce with the strength only a mother knows. Tears of joy will stream down my face, for once again, my heart and my stomach will be full.
—Michael Steinlage
“I’ll sleep when I’m dead”
—Diane Mori
As Jim's cousin, I met Diane when I was a kid. I remember her chatting cheerfully with my mother, having lunch together. I was too young to fully understand English at the time. Later, in 2005, I decided to go to St. Louis to meet my US relatives, and spend some time there. The Mori family there was extremely kind and generous to me, especially Diane. I can say without a doubt, that, second only to my mother, no other woman loved me and cared for me that much. Her cooking skills were amazing. She taught me the funniest jokes I can remember, and she was pretty much the only one that could understand my bad English pronunciation. The news of her bad health struck me hard, some years later. She came to visit us one last time, here in Italy. She had the urgency to spend time with us, and I remember her crying the day she left. It was heart. breaking. She had an infinite amount of love for us. She'll be deeply and dearly missed.
—Vittorio Mori
“That’s to die for!”
—Diane Mori
It was a great personal privilege, for me to meet Diane and Jim for the first time, at their beautiful Delray home, some years ago. After dinner, I sat on the sofa with Diane,and we talked and talked, just like people who have known each other over many years would do. Her relaxed, easy going style was always a total joy to behold, and I shall miss her warm, welcoming smile, as indeed we all will.
—Brian Pailin
“Woo, dog in the meat house!”
(upon seeing someone with a wedgie)
—Diane Mori
What a great site full of memories! Stories? Well, there was the time Di broke into our home... to do our laundry during Jeanne’s hospitalization. And the time she kidnapped my mother to shower at Di’s home while mom recovered from hip replacement surgery. She graciously recognized special needs among family and friends and always showed up.
—Tim Fischesser
“Must be jelly cause jam don’t shake like that”
—Diane Mori
I am so sorry for your petite GINORMOUS loss. Diane was always kind and always authentic, no BS about her. She was my kind of gal. I loved her at hello. She had grit and knew what she wanted. I loved witnessing Jim and Diane’s love for one another every time I was with them. Jim was determined to build Diane her dream home but nothing was ever good enough for her. She knew what she wanted and Jim aimed to please. She did not want to die in the house they currently own. God has a way of navigating. She died in Miami, from what I understand, and is safely home in heaven. Diane was petite but her voice was huge, she was a light in every room she entered. Her absence will be enormous. Jim told me he didn’t know how he could live without Diane, this makes me sad and happy. Sad for his loss but happy he was so madly in love with her. Love like this is rare, Jim stood by her side in sickness and in health like no other. Dedication I will emulate and to this I want to thank JIM and Diane for coming into my life all from a conversation on the stair master. My heart goes out to all of you, she loved you kids so much. I heard about you quite often. You are left with memories and a great example of how to live life with grace even when cancer tries to harden you. Dan and I are here for you Jim. Prayers and Big hugs ❌⭕️
—Katie & Dan Curran
“Never trust a fart after 50”
—Diane Mori
I enjoyed every minute I spent with Diane since I met her. Our family picnics the last few years were very special times. At one of the picnics her favorite quote to me from her doctor was "never trust a fart after 50." I truly loved Diane and will truly miss her. Her sense of humor never wavered. Such a strong wonderful woman 💗.
—Maureen Titone
“Micia’s my soulmate”
(the cat, not her husband Jim)
—Diane Mori
When I think of our Sweet Petunia, I think of many things...masterful cooking while sipping red wine, passion for gardening, love of creating beautiful homes, the Beatles (she knew every lyric!). I think of Diane's thoughtful, considerate listening to everyone. I also think of Crate & Barrell. But most of all I think of the amazing undying love her husband and children have shown her during these last 10 years. She is cherished and we long to see her again at those Pearly Gates of Heaven one day.
—Antoinette Hills (Diane’s sister-in-law)
“Pretty poor dog won’t wag it’s own tail”
(when complimenting her own cooking)
—Diane Mori
Keith and I are full of memories of our time together. We will never forget our trip to Lake Louise and Sante Fe. So much fun. I remember you singing Fly Me To The Moon" in the back of the van and Diane and me trying to tell you to shut up. The roads were icy and we were afraid we'd drive off the mountain on our way back Banff. Jim thinking of you and praying for you and your family. She was a fighter and I am sure is in peace. Love always.
— Donna Henderson
“That’s double-o-s!”
(out of style)
—Diane Mori
First of all, what a gift to see all those wonderful pictures! Thank you for sharing those. Diane was an amazingly powerful woman, mother, and friend. As Everyone knows, she was happy to share her opinion. I think I can remember from a very distant time the words “I’m just saying.” That determination, and strength of opinion, must’ve been the same fuel that enabled her to live so much longer than everyone expected. Those extra days, months, and even years, has to now be so appreciated by all whom she touched. So sorry for her passing to the other side though I know she is completely pain-free now. Love to all and most importantly, we might all use this moment to recognize the importance of creating a more loving world for all!
—David Hills
“What are you, blind?!”
—Diane Mori
My darling daughter-in-law, Diane. What a gift it was to have you and your beautiful family spend this last Thanksgiving with us here in Denver. You were so spunky and full of life...wanting to help me cook a special Italian dish! We knew it was a gift from God to have you with us during this holiday. I remember the days of sharing Sunday dinners together and comparing "who's a better Italian cook" Haha. In spite of your own health concerns, you always were so helpful to me in getting around and making sure I was absolutely comfortable..so giving! I will miss you so very much but I look forward to our reuniting again one day before long. Our love never ends! Mama Maria
—Maria Novotny (Diane’s mother-in-law)
“Jesus, I’m growin’ a beard here!”
—Diane Mori
Where can I start? To talk about my beautiful, selfless, friend. Diane and I have know each other for over 35 years. We have traveled together for many trips with Sprint. Presidents Clubs were great when you were with your friends. Diane. Spoke the truth. If you asked her a question then you will get her answer. She loved so hard to so many. It was so fu to go to dinner with Jim and Diane. It was never a dull moment. Sometimes, it was like watching a comedy. They were so funny. Diane didn’t just agree with Jim if she thought he was wrong. She always spoke up which I loved. She had so much love in her heart. I loved seeming her laugh. She was so strong. Jim and I were laugh because she always agreed with my husband. They had a special relationship. She just smiled when Jory talked to her. It was like she was always wanted to make sure Jory liked his food, and like sitting next to him. It was so cute. Diane was also so complimentary to everyone. She didn’t have a mean bone in her body and never complained about how she felt. I just loved her and I don’t know how many of us can ever find a friend like her. Jim had a loving wife who really did everything for everyone. It was always her pleasure. She even told me last time we went out that you were her Rock. I agreed. Jim, you were blessed with a great wife. You did a great job. She loved you with her whole heart.
—Debbie Montgomery
“Minchia! ”
(miŋ-kja, Sicilian expression of surprise. See also “cazzo.”)
—Diane Mori
Thank you for sharing her website. I cried over all her recipes and I am going to try to make them all. Diane was and is such an inspiration to me! When we went back to Saint Louis for David's celebration of life my eyes were opened to a whole new world I had never seen. Uncle Rico and Aunt Joann came out here (San Diego) for years, but until I actually saw the area, the family homes, the stories, the church, the little family shops, and walked down the streets of their life history,that is when I truly understood how lucky I was to be a little part of this amazing family.
—Eva Garegnani
“I’m just sayin’…”
(general preface to a difficult truth spoken directly)
—Diane Mori
How can one sweet little petunia inspire so much emotion? Grief, peace, I have much love and so many memories of Di. I’m grateful for 30 years of friendship, for her opinions, her support, her honesty. She was a force of nature in the kitchen! I loved her cooking but I loved watching her prepare a meal more. I love thinking of all those Sunday Mori meals enjoyed by Rex and Maria and Di’s brothers. And the way she loved older people, not just at work. I love her kindness to my grandma. And to me. She was born to be a caretaker. And many of us got to experience that gift. I love how she could move a mountain if she wanted to! I love that Will adored her. But what I love most is how she loved Jim and Rachel and Michael. And how they love her. Diane’s grace and dignity these last years were fueled by her family. What an amazing bond we witnessed from Diane, Jim, Rachel and Michael. Our years on Winding Oaks Court have been a gift. We have welcomed babies, raised kids, sent them to college and married them. We have changed jobs, changed addresses, buried parents, welcomed grandchildren and seen each other through tough times. And even when we say goodbye to each other there is still an undeniable joy that comes from years of laughter and friendship and all those moments that bind us. Diane will be forever in my heart, a piece of that joy, our little petunia. I love you Mama. Until we meet again...
—Sandy Steinlage
“No!”
(favorite word, 1990-2003)
—Diane Mori
I went to PT school at SLU with Diane. Although we did not see each other much as we raised our families, I kept up with her via the STL PT grapevine. Diane had a “sailor’s vocabulary” in college and would crack us up with her salty, wry comments and self-deprecating wit. Although the most petite among us (do NOT call her short!), she had a mighty presence and we knew to jump when she said jump. God blessed her with a wonderful family, and God blessed her family and friends with 65 years of Diane. It was not long enough but we were blessed to know her.
—Nancy Potter
“He tiptoes with the tulips.”
(when explaining to the kids that their teacher was gay)
—Diane Mori
Keith and I are full of memories of our time together. We will never forget our trip to Lake Louise and Sante Fe. So much fun. I remember you singing Fly Me To The Moon" in the back of the van and Diane and me trying to tell you to shut up. The roads were icey and we were afraid we'd drive off the mountain on our way back Banff. Jim thinking of you and praying for you and your family. She was a fighter and I am sure is in peace. Love always.
—Donna Henderson
“You mean MICHAEL?”
(Common response to “Hi Mrs. Mori, is Mike home?)
—Diane Mori
What do you say about a friend who was such a gift to us and to all who were lucky enough to love her! Our friendship was built on unspoken words and many similarities that only we knew existed! Diane and I shared a deep respect for one another...we shared the challenges and love of raising children and wanting only the best in every way for them. We would sometimes laugh (or cry) at the circumstances they placed us in. We shared a deep love for caring for others. Diane was the epitome of a caregiver and she gave 100% to each of her patients, to her family, and to her friends. She was a friend who could be counted on to see the good in most situations. She had a remarkable friendship with Rick. They were witty and sarcastic and at the end of the day, the best of friends. Diane had a beautiful spirit and we will greatly miss her. We will always cherish her laughter and her love! We love you, Di! Laura and the Sease men!
—Laura & Rick Sease
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We met Jim & Diane in 2015 after they had finished renovating their home here in Delray Beach. Not that long ago. Although it feels like we have been friends for so much longer, sharing meals at each others home. English style in our's, Italian in there's. The Mori's definitely know how to cook, Michael would comment how long it took to make rice, which was actually Di's risotto. He said, "just open a box," Di soon put him in his place. They did love to banter with each other. Di was tiny with a huge personality and won Michael over in a heartbeat. She was a very good friend to me, caring, nurturing, kind and generous to a fault. Never could you say, "ooh that smells good, or that’s pretty" she wold say take it, or the next day it would arrive in the mail. We loved Diane and will miss her presence immensely. All of this amazing family hold a special place in our hearts.
I thought I saw her face today in the sparkle of the morning sun, and then I heard the angel say "Her work on earth is done."
I thought I heard her voice today then laugh her hearty laugh, and then I heard the angel say "There's peace little one at last."
I thought that I would miss her and never find my way, and then I heard the angel say "She's with you every day."
RIP my dear friend
xoxo
—Maria & Michael Murphy
- - -
Loved that woman! She always made me laugh and made me a better person just by being in my world. Diane and Jim raised 2 of the greatest kids I’ve ever known. Rachel and Michael are lucky to have had her as a mother. And I will forever love Diane for her anointing our friend Doug as the Doctor of Dickology!!!
—John Rehling
- - -
Reflecting on Diane's life - I keep returning to the image of this tiny person in the kitchen preparing a meal for the flock gathered at the Mori's home and drawing parallels to who she was. Dishes often consisted of a small number of simple and intentional ingredients that she would transform into something truly unforgettable. She interacted with people in much the same way… She was not one to divulge into excess pageantry or small talk, because she valued the specifics of who you are and what was happening in your life. She was always direct with a question (often hilariously at the expense of Michael or Rachel's embarrassment) and truly engaged in your response. She was quick to serve a new perspective, a hard truth, or real empathy that was so uniquely nourishing to the heart.
Conversations with Diane have a way of staying with you. I find her words bouncing around my head and continuously taking on new meaning years later. She had this innate ability to conjure a motherly adoration from everyone she came in contact with. It did not matter if you just met or had known her for years. Whether you were 5 or 75 years old - you felt safe, seen, and dignified in that very specific way. She was a gift. Thank you - Jim, Rachel, Michael and the rest for sharing her with so many people – not that anybody would have had much of say in that anyway.
—Kyle Shaw
- - -
One of my first memories spending quality time with Diane was on a family trip to Fort Lauderdale. The whole drive there she offered me food and snacks, pretty sure at the least it was every hour of the way down. At first, I politely declined, but I learned real quick that this was not the appropriate response. My one meal stomach quickly adapted to the situation and got on board with Di saying "you need to eat more" and "that's all you're going to eat?," but the best was when no words were spoken and just a look was conveyed :) Thinking of her makes me smile, knowing that I was fortunate enough to be around her. She really had a way of including you, making you feel at home, and caring for everyone else to make sure they were comfortable. Her honesty made me laugh. She wasn't afraid to speak her mind, and if she had an opinion about you or anything else, it would be heard. I believe she had almost a 6th sense of smelling bullshit. She was real, and that was something I admired most about her.
To the Mori's, I hope you know that I have so much love for you all - eating meals together, the Italian way, your family dynamic - it was something not quite experienced in my upbringing which made me feel even more lucky to be in your company, a second family and with Diane. She will always be near, on your mind, in your heart, because "when someone loves you, they never really leave you." Her reflection is seen in the kind people you all are and have become, and that says quite a lot about who she was as an individual ♡
—Kendra Owen
- - -
Wow, I just love these photos and stories marking all the collective memories. Then to find RECIPES! OMG that makes two of us in Heaven right now. I have known Jim throught our years working together at Sprint and then Savvis. Diane being there at all our parties and Presidents Clubs. Back then you had the office parties at your house. Diane hosted us many times and with one mission FEED EVERYONE. She liked me - I could cook - and achieving over quota never hurts with the bosses wife. So we go way back. I can't even write the stories from Sprint. Not sue if HR violations have a statute of limitations. Jim and Diane drove through Atlanta in DEC of 2017 on the way to Del Ray so I hosted dinner, Jim brought Italian wine and we got to see Diane as it turned out for the last time. We tried to see one another in NYC but as everyone knows it was touch and go. So we had our last supper, at our table in our home and I cooked for her. I'm both honored and blessed. I'll never forget the day Fluffy Mori (the cat) crossed the rainbow bridge. At work... Jim gets a panicked phone call from Diane. Diane was throwing one or two more things in a nice, warm dryer; the phone must have rang, Diane starts the dryer back up... Fluffy must have crawled in. She told that story forever... so I'll tell it one more time.
Thanks Diane for mothering us all.
—Bill Gilmore
- - -
I met Diane at a gym called club fitness my daughter was diagnosed stage 1 breast cancer and I asked about a splint. She told me about hers from then on we became buddies met for lunches with 4 of us Dixie, Audra, and me text each other both Italian Giaimo was my birth name. After she moved to Kirkwood I lost her she never text anymore I missed her a lot. One day me and my hubby met her at a movie. Was so happy to see her.but still no response I guess she was suffering. Then her FB popped up she moved to New York. Then the terrible news of her passing. I pray for her every Sunday now. God Bless to a beautiful soul.
—Sara Giaimo Mcentire
- - -
My favorite Mrs. Mori moment is probably one of the first conversations we ever had. It happened after one of the many times she came downstairs in her basement to find many teenagers hanging out without her knowing we were there (we all loved that basement entrance in the Ballwin house). She let us know, in no uncertain terms, that we were to go through the front door if we wanted to be there. So the next time I came over to meet up with Michael and our friends, I nervously knocked and Mrs. Mori flung open the door and said “get inside already! These hot flashes are horrible!” So at 16 I wasn’t too sure what she meant by that but I did know that I did not want them. She told me to follow her to the kitchen and we sat and talked for a while before I finally made my to the basement. From then on, she would know who I was and we would always chat before I would head downstairs to join my friends. Many years later, the Mori family were guests at my wedding to another guy that was always in that same basement. Michael gave, what I think, was the best best-man speech of all time. We would always meet up with the Mori family whenever Michael would come to town. Last Christmas, Diane met our daughter during a dinner out with Jim, Michael, and a couple other former basement kids. She and Jim gave my husband and I great advice about being new parents and we laughed about the crazy things you do when you have an infant (like quietly crawling out of their room after they finally fall asleep). I will always remember her, as she was truly one of a kind. Michael, Jim, and Rachel - I love you all. We were so fortunate to have known Diane and loved her. Thank you for always welcoming us into your home so we had that opportunity ️
—Shannon Lipson / Buechler
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I've been delaying sharing my entry, fearful that I won't be able to articulate what I'd like to say more beautifully than many others that have already shared. Reading each of the entries brought back additional memories and experiences that were living somewhere in the back of my brain. As I read each of the quotes I can literally hear her saying them in my mind. Not many people have as many quotable moments as Mrs. Mori!
Rachel is one of my best friends from college. Even before meeting her family officially, I got to know them through Rachel and Michael when he'd come visit us at Mizzou (some of those visits extended! lol). I'll share two very concrete memories of Mrs. Mori. One was during my first visit to see Rachel on some school sanctioned break and experiencing having dinner at her family's house. Mrs. Mori made an asparagus soup that she was sure would be terrible (and verbalized this throughout the process), that turned out to be one of the best soups I can remember having! It was simple, yet delicious- a cream based broth complete with a cheese ball warmed by the soup at the bottom of the bowl.
The second memory was a re-occurring one, where when I'd be talking to Rachel over the phone, Mrs. Mori would yell up the stairs "RACHEEELLLLL" to which she'd immediately follow up with a question or request. At some point Rachel would interrupt and say "Mom, I'm on the phone!". Mrs. Mori would always say "with WHO?" Every time Rachel would reply "Alex!", her next response would always be a calm, oh, tell her hi, I hope she's doing well! - immediately changing her tone to a warm and thoughtful one.
I feel extremely fortunately to have known Mrs. Mori, but the entire Mori family (including cousins, aunts, grandmothers!). It is so clear how much love there is between each and every one of them. My heart and thoughts are very much with you all during this time. Love you, Rae.
—Alex Lackos