HELPER-Henrietta DeRael Diamanti, age 96, passed away Sept. 15, 2008 under the diligent care of the staff at the Heirloom Inn in Price. She was born June 18, 1912 in Santa Fe, N.M. to Frank and Virginia Romero DeRael.
Married Lee J. Diamanti, June 25, 1928 in Santa Fe, N.M.; Lee passed away on July 15, 1977.
Etta was an active member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Helper where she was honored as Catholic Woman of the Year. She served on the St. Anthony Altar Society, was a 40 year member of the D.C.C.W., Southeastern District President and convention chair twice.
In 1971 she was awarded the Saint Pius X Medal, and in 1989 was blessed as being one of 23 Catholic lay women to be awarded the highest honor any lay person can receive; the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Medal by Holy Father Pope John Paul II.
In recognition for her community service she received five Presidential Citiations and had one pine tree planted in the Helper Park and the other at the College of Eastern Utah.
Next to God and Country, her family was her greatest love. A lady of great strength and beauty, she will always be remembered for her hats.
Survived by her sons, John L. Diamanti, Helper, Dino L. (Eleanor) Diamanti, Roy; six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and two great-great-granddaughters.
Preceded in death by her parents, husband, infant son, Frankie Diamanti; brother, Adolph, and a sister, Rebecca.
Funeral Mass, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2008, 10 a.m., St. Anthony Catholic Church. Vigil service Friday evening 7 p.m. at the church in Helper. Family will be at St. Anthony’s Friday and Saturday one hour prior to services. Committal service, Mt. View Cemetery, Helper.
Etta Diamanti
"Etta Diamanti"