Diana Tomasini passed away peacefully in the comfort of her Novato, California home, with her daughter and son-in-law at her side, on Monday, October 9, 2023 after a courageous fight with cancer. Diana was born in Crescent City at Seaside Hospital on April 16, 1949. She grew up and lived in Del Norte County for almost her entire life, moving to Novato in 2020 so that she would be closer to her daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter. Diana married Ricky Tomasini in 1970, and they raised their two children, Andrew and Sacha, at the family home in Del Norte County.
Diana was a fixture in the Del Norte business community for decades. Countless customers passed through the doors of the local small businesses that Diana established and made flourish, most notably Witches Hut hair salon, the Enchanted Florist and Tomasini’s Enoteca. You could always count on Diana for a bright smile and breezy conversation when you patronized her businesses, whether you were a complete stranger or a long-time friend. Diana was also generous with her time and dedication to the community – including working with local 4-H and FFA organizations, promoting the downtown business district and founding the local Red Hat Society chapter. She helped bring joy and vitality to the downtown through the innumerable hours she spent organizing 4th of July events, decorating downtown during holidays and participating in parades and tree lighting ceremonies. She never turned down a donation request from local schools and community organizations, and she was a driving force behind many of the fundraising activities benefitting St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
No recounting of Diana’s life would be complete without mentioning how much she relished throwing a good party. Diana’s zest for life was contagious, and one of her favorite ways to spread that joy among family and friends was to host a barbecue or potluck for scores of people. Many locals have a memorable story or two about attending a Tomasini bash, often at the family home on Cessna Drive or at the Fort Dick Grange. Almost all of them involve sharing a good laugh with Diana or savoring some of Diana’s wonderful home-cooked food that was a staple at all her gatherings.
Diana enjoyed taking her festive outlook on life to some of her favorite vacation spots in Mexico and Jamaica, frequently visiting beachside resorts with family and close friends. She enjoyed the outdoors and taking in the local natural wonders; camping with her family at Chimney Flat and Big Flat and digging for razor clams on Enderts Beach were some of her favorite outdoor activities.
Above all else, Diana will be remembered for her kindness, her generosity and the selfless way she cared for others throughout her entire life.
Diana is survived by her son Andrew, her daughter Sacha, her son-in-law Zach Finley and her granddaughter Adelia Elizabeth Finley; her sister-in-law Barbara Lemly; and her nieces Sheila Carmody and Debbie Carmody. Diana is predeceased by her husband Ricky, her mother Juanita, her father John and her brother Mike.