Dianne Magdalene Scuderi Lordi

January 20, 1930 – April 30, 2023

Dianne Lordi died peacefully at her home on Sunday April 30, 2023, surrounded by her family. She is survived by her four children, their spouses/fiancée, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Dianne was born in Philadelphia, PA, the daughter of Sicilian immigrants. She had two sisters and one brother, with whom she was very close. She proudly graduated from Philadelphia High School for Girls at age 16 in 1946. She attended Penn State, majoring in Liberal Arts, with Spanish emphasis. Active in stage theater, she starred in productions including Romeo and Juliet, Glass Menagerie and Dark of the Moon. She met her husband Anthony at Penn State, and they married in 1951.

They made their home in Pittsburgh PA, where Dianne was involved in the Penn Hills Players, a community theater group. They had four children: Barbara, Susan, David and Karen, then moved to St. Louis, where they settled in Chesterfield. Dianne and Tony shared 68 years of marriage together.

Dianne taught Spanish at Parkway Central HS for 20 years. She was a dedicated teacher, instilling her love of language, culture and travel in her students as well as her own family. Dianne's passion for learning was evident throughout her life. This was reflected in her many travels to countries worldwide. Her classes emphasized more than just vocabulary – she encouraged her students to "go for it" despite grammatical imperfections. After retirement, Dianne taught English as a Second Language and volunteered reading books on tape.

Dianne was a founding member of Incarnate Word Parish, and very involved in her faith community. Her theatrical talent was evidenced each week at the lectern – she brought emphasis and meaning to scripture readings with her expressive voice.

Dianne was an excellent cook, known for dishes representing Sicilian traditions. Her hand-made gnocchi, spiedini, manicotti, biscotti, pizzelles, and bird's nest cookies were beloved by family and friends. Watching her create in the kitchen included hearing animated stories of her heritage and growing up in South Philly.

To those close to her, she was a mentor and role model. Dianne's love of learning extended beyond teaching – to studying with her faith-sharing group, participating in countless committees, and actively exercising until age 93.

Dianne will be remembered for her energetic approach to everything she did, her warm smile, thirst for knowledge and commitment to her family. We will miss her magnetic personality, her social vivaciousness, and her zest for living.

Services: Dianne's life will be celebrated at a Memorial Mass ( link to livestream ) on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. (Visitation 9:30-11:00) at Incarnate Word Catholic Church, 13416 Olive Blvd in Chesterfield. Burial will be at Jefferson Barracks Friday May 5 at 9:45 a.m. All are welcome.

Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home    www.osfuneralhomes.com