In Memory of Diane Tangreti

Diane Tangreti

Spouse: Antonio Tangreti
Children: Sherrond Anthony Person, Cristina Esther Pearl
DOB: October 14, 1953
Blessing Date: October 14, 1982
Ascension: November 25, 2024
Seonghwa Ceremony: December 5 at 8:00 PM at 2301 Findlay Ave. Monterey Park, CA 91754
GoFundme: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-diane-tangretis-celebration-of-life

Diane was born in Toledo, Ohio on October 14, 1953 to Doris (née Radcliff) Person and Jesse Person. The second-born of nine children, she grew up surrounded by the love of her family. She was particularly close to her grandmother, Pearl, who often looked after not only her and her siblings, but many of the children in the neighborhood as well. Pearl’s unconditional love instilled in Diane a deep desire to care for the less fortunate, especially children.

In 1974, after attending Bowling Green State University, Diane was blessed by the birth of her son, Sherrond “Anthony” Person. Not long after that, she made the life-changing decision to move to California.

It was there, in 1976, not far from Hollywood Boulevard, that she found the Unification Church. Her encounter with a church member (who had committed to witnessing only to women) felt more like destiny than mere chance. Knowing that her beloved Grandma Pearl had been praying for her to find her own path to God, Diane felt deeply that the church was that divine path. After attending a local lecture, she decided to join.

Before too long, she became a key player in the church’s Southern California community. Her resourcefulness, hard work, and irresistible charm and optimism left a lasting impression on everyone who met her. She became known far and wide for her countless contributions to the church: cooking and serving food at Camp Mozumdar, witnessing and fundraising in Santa Barbara, selling flowers in Redondo Beach, coordinating deliveries and donations for Project Volunteer, and just about anything else she could do to be of service. She always had love and energy to give to the people and causes she cared about.

In October 1982, Diane attended the Blessing Ceremony in Korea, where she was matched to Antonio Tangreti, from Buenos Aires, Argentina. The following year, Diane and her son Anthony relocated to Buenos Aires to live with Antonio in a church center. After living there for about a year, the young family of three moved to Los Angeles in February 1984.

Diane and Antonio settled into their new life together and before long, Diane felt another calling that she needed to answer: the calling to help disadvantaged children. She made the decision to become a licensed foster parent and, in 1989, she took in her first foster child, Eddie. It didn’t take long for the Tangreti household to become full of children in need. Though they loved their foster children and Anthony, Diane and Antonio still desired to have a child of their own. After being challenged by fertility issues for several years, their wish was granted in the form of their adopted daughter, Cristina, in 1993.

As a full-time foster parent, Diane specialized in helping children with behavioral and medical issues. For many years she served as a counselor and parent advocate for the East Los Angeles Regional Center. She also served on the Board of Directors for Pacific Clinics in Pasadena, California. She was a passionate advocate for foster care, dedicated to offering support and resources to families who needed help caring for their children. Her work left a lasting impact on the children she raised and on the local foster care community as a whole.

Diane was diagnosed with cancer in December 2023. Despite the diagnosis, she carried on with her trademark joy and optimism, choosing to make the most of whatever time she had left. She dealt with her illness privately and continued to prioritize making beautiful memories with her loved ones. She danced, she traveled, and she danced some more, until she couldn’t anymore. On November 25, 2024, Diane passed away peacefully with her friends and family by her side.

Diane will always be remembered as a giver. Whether she was giving literal gifts (which she loved to do) or giving her love or her time, she never asked for anything in return. Her heart was one of true selflessness and kindness. Anyone who knew her well could share a story about how she surprised them with her thoughtfulness. While she will be deeply missed, the joy she spread and the love she gave to so many will leave a lasting legacy that transcends her time on Earth.

A private Seonghwa event was held for Diane on December 5th. Diane’s wish for the end of her life is for her loved ones to come together to celebrate with Motown music and dancing the incredible life she has lived. A celebration of Diane’s life will be held in January, details to be announced. Those wishing to offer a gift in her memory and assist in deferring expenses can contribute to her GoFundMe at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-diane-tangretis-celebration-of-life