After a courageous battle with frontotemporal dementia, Leslie Ann Diana Kozak of New Castle, PA passed away peacefully in her sleep Friday morning, November 4th, 2022 at the age of 62.
Loved by many, her spirit and lessons live on in her sons Luke and Drew, her brother Tom, and in many of her colleagues.
The oldest child of the late Thomas Diana Sr. and Lela Lonnett, Leslie was an outstanding and caring mother, daughter, sister, friend, and nurse. Leslie graduated from the Jameson School of Nursing in New Castle, PA and later moved to Pittsburgh, PA to work at Allegheny General Hospital. Leslie spent 30 years selflessly caring for her patients in Labor & Delivery, Pediatrics, and Radiation Oncology. No obstacle was too big for her, not only was she the foundation of her family as a full time working nurse and mother, she was also a diligent student who completed a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Waynesburg University and a stalwart defender of her fellow nurses as a vocal member of the nurses’ union. Leslie was a mentor who could often be found smiling and attentive at both home and work as she passed on her knowledge and values to make the world a better place. Leslie loved to spend her weekends shopping to her heart’s desire and more often than not would return with small trinkets to enrich her home.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff of Carriage Manor and Allegheny Health Network Hospice for aiding in Leslie’s care.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ed & Don DeCarbo Funeral Home & Crematory, 941 S. Mill St.