Carmen "Diane Nauck" Vitrano Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Carmen “Diane Nauck” Vitrano, age 63, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2022 at University Hospital in New Orleans, LA in the presence of her loving husband Donald, her daughter Danielle, grandchildren and family and friends. She was diagnosed with stage 4 inoperable lung cancer in Early November 2021. Fading her foe with grace, courage and dignity she spent the last 5 ½ months battling this implacable disease. She forsook the traditional chemotherapy protocol after experiencing an initial treatment that nearly claimed her life earlier this year. She sought out radiation treatment that she had finished in March. This treatment gave her temporary relief but the complications of the disease and treatment soon continued their inexorable in April. The family wishes to thank the entire team at University Hospital, especially the intensive Care unit staff, for their caring professionalism and comforting compassion as well as Diane’s team of physicians, Dr. Jyotsna Faloria, MD and Dr. Jill N. Vincent, MD of University Hospital and Dr. Linnea Perkins, MD and Dr. Michael Knight, MD of Ochsner Health who provided immeasurable support and loving care throughout the years. “Diane” as she was affectionately known was born on June 02, 1958 to Anita Castello (Kothe) and William Eugene Nauck Sr. in Kenner, Louisiana and was a lifelong resident of Jefferson Parish. Diane was the owner of Diane’s Old Tyme Café located in Metairie, LA before selling it in May of 2007 to take care of her late Son. It was there where she displayed her love for culinary, serving others delicious meals and unforgettable conversations. There was not a stranger that Diane did not meet. Those that met her, knew the love and genuine spirit that fully embodied her through her infectious smile, laughter, compassion, sense of humor, quick wit, great cooking and unconditional love. Diane met the love of her life Donald Anthony Vitrano, Sr. in 1989 and they married in 1997 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Through the years of their marriage Donald’s humble and soft demeanor was displayed through many acts of love that included tenderness, loving care, encouragement, and endless support. This love was an extension to not only our beloved, but to her beautiful children and extended family. Diane enjoyed many leisure’s in her short life such as fishing, thrift store shopping, music, dancing, cooking, making her house a home, and entertaining others with her hospitality. Diane’s most cherished moments that brought her the most comfort was spending time at home with her husband, their pets, their children and watching her grandchildren grow. Diane was a mother to two beautiful children from her first marriage (August C. DiGiovanni). Her daughter Danielle Elizabeth and late Son, Sean Anthony DiGiovanni. Becoming a mother was an adjustment that came so effortlessly to Diane. Her nurturing, loving and hands-on role in their lives was where her greatest qualities and attributes truly shined. There was not a school performance that she missed, an athletic event or dance recital that she was not front row and center showing her support proudly for them both. From field trips, room mom, and coach she was their biggest cheerleader supporting each of them in every season of life. As they grew you could vividly see the many passions and positive mannerisms that took shape in each of their lives individually. As they learned from her how to always express love, kindness, respect and compassion they taught her unconditional love. From giving the best hugs, the shoulder to cry on, the ear to listen and the heart and desire of prayer and love of Jesus her qualities Shined brightly in them both. Around the table a spot was always prepared for an extra friend(s) to share a home cooked meal that was met with laughter, memories and guidance. The friendships of her children became children that often called Diane “a second mother”. Her drive and heartbeat were her children. The exemplary display of unconditional love and support was never questionable. In 1997 Diane would later get to share that same love with her four bonus children that Donald had from his first marriage with his now late wife, Karen “Juno” Vitrano. The blended family became the foundation of love that Donald and Diane shared with loving support. Her maternal instincts were always there lending great care and love to Donald (Denny), Dwayne, Darren, Donna. Her unconditional love was cherished and treasured and seen from afar when Dwayne fell ill. Diane knew a mothers love was not only needed but it brought a healing that only a mother could give. Knowing Dwayne’s mother had passed, she selflessly stepped into the role to love and extend care for him. An illness that left Dwayne bed ridden, fighting to live; Diane, with a humble heart was always at his bedside with compassion, love and a servants heart seeing that he always had the best care until he passed in April of 2020 , at the home Donald and Diane shared. You often heard her boasting so proudly of each of the 6 children. Diane’s last of days she expressed more often than not, the joy each one of them brought her. She spoke proudly of them that you could see in her warm smile and felt through the love in her eyes. Later Diane would joyfully step into the ultimate role of “Nana” to her 11 grandchildren. Her grandchildren were the heart and soul and life she breathed. There was not a birthday, event or special occasion that she missed. As long as her health permitted, her undeniable love, adoration and presence was always there and felt through her desire to always be fully present in each of their lives. “Nana” as is the name they bestowed upon her and she wore with emotion and delight. Her words were never shorted when expressing the enchanting gratitude and were always expressed through the beautiful cards she acknowledged them with through every passing milestone. Her cards were not just words, but an expression of love and reverent endearment that picked out with exceptional precision. Eloquently describing each of their qualities and the love she had for them. She was their umbrella on stormy days, their rock in tough moments and their sunshine on the glorious of days. Her zest for life and candid wit could often be seen displayed on social media through the eyes of a child and a nana’s love. Growing up in a large family, Carmen was 1 of 11 children and the 5th oldest of 8 brothers and 2 sisters. Her delicious meals were the first thing many looked for when coming to visit or at a family function. She extended her heart and home to many never turning down a visitor or help. If their was a will and a way for any of them in need, their adorning sister made sure to see that it was done. Her love and support was felt near and far. Regardless of time, miles separating them or seasons in each of their lives, her presence was felt, known with an accountability never questionable. She has left an impression on each of their hearts and will be missed with a deep yearning of the many beautiful memories of the times shared and passed. Diane was preceded in death by her loving fathers, Willam Eugene Nauck Sr., and Stepfather, John Castello. Her two adored sons, Sean Anthony DiGiovanni and Dwayne Vitrano. Diane is survived by her loving mother, Anita (Kothe) Castello, her adored husband Donald Anthony Vitrano Sr., her beautiful daughters, Danielle Elizabeth DiGiovanni-Fisher and Donna Marie Vitrano (Jonathan). Her two sons, Donald (Denny) Vitrano Jr. (Krissy) & Darren Vitrano (Kim). Her beautiful granddaughter Bianca and loving companion Jacob as well as siblings, Gavin, Grayson, Harleigh & Henley (Danielle). Diane’s other living grandchildren, Kade (Sean), Charlie & Jayla (Donna), Sophie (Denny), Josiah, Griffin & Porter (Parents Micah & Karoline Glausier). Diane loving leaves behind her brothers & sister in laws; William Nauck Jr. ( Janet), Donald Nauck (Karen), Robert “Bobby” Nauck (Cindy), Steven Nauck (Judi), Darryl Nauck (Debbie), Michael Nauck (Karen), Chris Nauck (Tammy) & David Nauck. Her loving sisters, Debbie Bordelon (Steve) & Missy Hymel (Steve). Her Godchildren Tamara Buccola, Megan Wooley (Nauck) & Carrie Nauck. Her best friends Colleen Sheppard & Diana Eubanks. Diane leaves behind nephews, nieces cousins, relatives and friends. Diane was loved by many and adored by most. Her infectious and caring spirit will be missed by everyone that knew her and continue to touch those in the beautiful memories that her legacy leaves behind. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Service at L.A. Muhleisen & Son Funeral Home located at 2607 Williams Blvd., Kenner, LA 70062 on Monday, May 9,2022. Visitation from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. followed by a Funeral Service at 1:00 p.m. Internment following at Jefferson Memorial Gardens Cemetery, St. Rose. In lieu of flowers and at the request of our beloved Carmen, memorial donations may be made to the Carmen Vitrano Memorial Fund “ at any Hancock Whitney Bank. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.muhleisen.com

Tributes

Carmen "Diane Nauck" Vitrano

June 2, 1958 - April 29, 2022