Diana Jean (Sergi) Barber

Diana Jean (Sergi) Barber, of Cromwell and Rocky Hill, beloved wife of Allen, passed away on December 31, 2016. She was born, at home, on January 7, 1951 to the late Samuel and Sophie (Morello) Sergi in Cromwell. She grew up in Cromwell and later met the love of her life, Allen, with whom she shared over 46 years of marriage. Besides her husband, she is survived by her sons Allen, Jr. and his wife Alison (Verosky) of Rocky Hill and Steven and his wife Cristina (Marques) of Cromwell. She also leaves her cherished grandchildren Andrew, Amanda, Isabella, Katrina and Jason. She was predeceased by her brother Patrick, and is survived by brothers Frank and his wife Janet of Orlando, Florida; Samuel Jr., of Greer, South Carolina; Nicholas and his wife Patricia of Middletown, CT; and sisters Kathleen and her husband Larry Browning of Greer, South Carolina; Patricia Piotrowski of Cromwell, CT; and Judy of Redwood City, California. She retired from the Cromwell school system, where she indulged her love of cooking, to begin her most treasured endeavor: spending as much time as possible with her grandchildren. There was never any doubt that only their mothers loved them more (though she would dispute that). Diana’s most precious memories were the annual summer vacations spent at the beach with her husband, sons and their families, where modern technology gave way to riding waves, splashing in the ocean, building in the sand, and simply spending time together. She traveled extensively throughout her life, with a particular favorite being her surprise 60th birthday gift from her children, a return trip to Hawaii where she had vacationed shortly after marriage. She always preferred to spend time with her family, and she imparted this legacy on her children. Diana also enjoyed spending time and entertaining with her wonderful friends in the Rhodes Landing development (who are too numerous to mention here), decorating, cooking and baking and volunteering with her Garden Club. The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Santin, his staff, all the workers at the Smilow Cancer Hospital, all the staff of Regional Hospice and Home Care, Osama Abdelghany, and Elaine Paladino who provided all their skill, dedication, compassion, love, and comfort during such a difficult time. Funeral services will leave Friday, January 6th at 9:15 a.m. from the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield for a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Corpus Christi Church, 601 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield. Burial will follow in St. Sebastian Cemetery, Middlefield. Calling hours are Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to the Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven, 20 York Street, New Haven, CT 06510, in honor of Diana. For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopo.com.