Guarino-Diane M. (nee Wanamaker) of Alden NY (formerly of Darien and Bennington), peacefully passed away in her sleep, joining her beloved husband in heaven, on November 2, 2022, at the age of 91. Diane was the wife of the late S. James Guarino and mother of James (Susan), Donna (Scott Gerould), Larry (Barbara), Daniel (Amanda) and Richard (Colette). She is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces.

Diane was predeceased by her parents George W. and Lillian Wanamaker, of Buffalo, and siblings Helen (Gaiser), Richard, Virginia (Gnann), Elaine (Curry), and Robert.   Also preceding her in death were great grandchildren James, Daniel, and Madeline Arthur, of Katy TX.

Diane drove school buses for Alden Central School District for over 25 years. For many of those years Diane was the driver of the morning run to St. Mary's HS in Lancaster. This run was the 1 ^st out of the garage, initially in Bus# 36, a 5 speed Brockway, departing a little after 6am, and often on unplowed roads.  On snowy days, Diane was radioed to report road conditions to see if school should be closed that day.  If it was, she had to safely turn around and take everyone back home.  After retiring, she volunteered for Alden's Meals on Wheels for 27 years.

A lover of pets, Diane was given her first dog at the age of 12 to keep her company during Buffalo's air raid blackouts during WWII.  Her love of horses led Diane to her husband Jim, and then to their move from Buffalo to the "country" (their first farm in Darien in 1954), and then to their farm on North Road, Alden, in 1966.  In 1992, after passing the farm to the next generation, they moved to Bennington. Following Jim's death in 2012, she moved to her final residence in the Village of Alden.

Diane was in independent women who loved and enjoyed life.  Anyone who walked through her door was treated as family, and invited to a meal.

While she and Jim were not wealthy in money, they always were able to provide their children with an abundance love and encouragement to follow their dreams.

The Mass of Christian Burial that was scheduled for Saturday, November 19, 2022 at St John the Baptist RC Church, Sandridge Rd, Alden NY has been cancelled due to weather and is rescheduled for Saturday, April 29th at 10 AM.  Friends are encouraged to attend.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alden's Meals on Wheels or St. John the Baptist Church.

Arrangements by Charles Meyers Funeral Home.  Tributes may be left at meyerfuneralhome.com