Obituary of Diana Lura Antenucci, 80
Diana Lura Antenucci.
Oct. 20, 1943 – June 20, 2024
Obituary of Diana Lura Antenucci
In the care of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home
– Diana Lura Antenucci, born on 10-20-1943 in California, passed away in her beloved town of Paso Robles on 6-20-2024. Although sudden, she was able to be surrounded by a loving family as she journeyed to heaven.
Diana was born in Calaveras County and as the daughter of a cattle rancher (Roland and Carmela Ward), she was no stranger to hard work. One of her many chores would be to help lead cattle from field to field and to feed the animals before she was allowed breakfast herself.
Diana moved to Stockton in her teens and is a graduate of Stagg High School(1962). From there, her adventurous spirit drove her to study English and Literature at San Francisco State. After graduation, Diana proved fearless again by taking her love of children and helping others to the Peace Corps (1968-1972). She was sent to rural Senegal on the continent of Africa where she worked with young women and mothers to help develop and improve early childhood education, nutrition and literacy skills.
During that time, she met another American Peace Corp volunteer, Joseph Antenucci, their work together helped them to fall deeply in love. They married on 9-12-1970 and returned to the Peace Corps for another two years, serving in Fiji, where together they helped run a community education center for disadvantaged youth. Right before their daughter (Domonique) was born, they returned to the United States permanently. Diana, Joe, and Domonique lived in Paso Robles where Diana was a teacher at the Child Development Center. Their son (Michael) arrived in 1979 and soon after, the family moved to Sacramento for her husband’s job transfer.
While in Sacramento, Diana continued to touch the lives of children by creating a teaching career that spanned 30 years, nearly all in Kindergarten. Having such a difficult last name to pronounce, she was simply and affectionately known as “Mrs. A”.
Retirement brought her happily back to Paso Robles where she substituted in schools throughout the county. When she wasn’t guest teaching or volunteering, she continued her love of learning new cultures by traveling internationally with her husband, Joe. When she felt unable to travel, she opened a vacation rental to welcome travelers to her home.
To say she will be missed would be an understatement. She touched and loved so many, but by far, her greatest loves were her family. She leaves behind her husband, daughter and son and their loving spouses, five beautiful grandchildren, a dear sister and her lovely family, extended family and many loving friends. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for late July. I love you, Mom!
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