4800 E Indian School Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85018
BERRY, DIANE (BRUSKAS)
December 2, 1959 – January 7, 2022
It is with profound sadness, yet with hope in the Resurrection that we share the news of the passing of Diane Georgene (Bruskas) Berry, 62, who fell asleep in the Lord in the early hours of January 7, 2022, after a short but valiant battle against COVID. While this disease may have taken her from us in this world, the bright light she brought into each of our lives will shine on through her family, friends and all those who knew and loved her.
Diane was born on December 2, 1959 in Joliet, Illinois. In 1972 her family relocated to Tempe, Arizona where she attended school, graduating as a proud “Padre” from Marcos de Niza High School, class of 1978. She was very involved in the journalism department in high school and was editor of the school yearbook “Libra de Oro”.
She worked in the banking and insurance fields, and her life would lead to many adventures – living in New York, Houston, Pennsylvania, and even returning to her childhood hometown of Joliet, before settling back in Arizona.
Diane loved cooking and baking, and she was known for her delicious treats – fudge, peppermint bark, thumbprint cookies, and her yiayia’s recipe for Chocolate Balls. She never showed up anywhere empty-handed, always bringing a homemade treat to her family and friends. She loved football and was a diehard Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Friendships for Diane were never fleeting; rather she retained them through all chapters of her life, building a tapestry of faithful friends who journeyed through each day with her.
Growing up at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Diane was active in the youth group, she was part of the original YAL (Young Adult League) movement in the church, and taught Sunday School for several years.
Being a mother brought Diane great fulfillment, and she loved nurturing and teaching her children. She raised three independent successful children, all of whom will miss the daily presence of their mother, but they will carry her love and the many life-lessons she taught them throughout their lives. With the arrival of her granddaughters, Delilah and Cheyenne, Diane’s heart grew even bigger with love and she treasured every moment with those precious girls.
Diane is survived by her three children – Daniel, Sarah French (Josh), and Deborah Nasser (Bakil), her cherished granddaughters Delilah and Cheyenne Berry, her loving parents Chris and Rita Bruskas, sisters Presvytera Denise Gilbert and Kristen Bruskas, many beloved nieces and nephews who adored their “Thea Di Di” – V. Rev. Archimandrite Chrysostomos Gilbert, Christina Kakis (Stephan), Christian Gilbert, Andrew Gilbert, Rev. Father Aaron Gilbert (Presvytera Kyriaka), Anthony Gilbert (Rhea), and her great-nieces and great-nephews – Angelo and Sia Kakis, and Matthew, Maria and Panagiotis Gilbert. She is also survived by her aunts Sylvia (Thanos) Trout and Helen Bruskas, uncles Tony Bruskas and Spiro Bruskas, and numerous cousins. Also surviving is the father of her children, Douglas Berry. Diane was predeceased by her infant son Jonathan Berry, her brother-in-law Rev. Father Matthew Gilbert, and grandparents Constantinos and Constantina Bruskas, and Nicholas and Panagiota Thanos.
Services for Diane will be held on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1973 E. Maryland Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85016. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. and the Funeral service will be prayed at 10:00 a.m. The interment will follow at Paradise Memorial Gardens, 9300 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ. The funeral will be available for viewing on livestream at https://www.facebook.com/holytrinityphx.org
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her memory to: St. Mary’s Food Bank, 2831 N. 31st Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85009 or online at www.firstfoodbank.org. In this way, you will honor Diane’s memory by helping others in need of food, while continuing her genuine hospitality that she shared with others through her love of cooking and baking.
May her memory be eternal!
I am truly deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend Diane. Diane and I have been friends for almost 40 years and I will miss her dearly. She had a heart of gold and was always available to talk, laugh and cry with me. I will cherish our many memories especially the ones from our YAL days at our church! I love you my friend and you will always live in my heart! Thanks for being a close friend all these years. I know you are at peace now and I’m so blessed to have another angel watching over me. May your memory be forever eternal!
I was so saddened to learn of Diane’s passing. I will always remember her cheerful smile and laugh and the way she made others feel welcome.
We had so many good times with YAL in the 80’s and became close friends then. YAL conferences, outings and even going to Rocky Point Mexico to enjoy the beach!
My heart goes out to Diane’s family, hugs and kisses to all. We will miss her smile but we know she is smiling down on us from Heaven.
I was so sad to hear of Diane’s passing. I met her in journalism class in high school and we reconnected on Facebook. Diane and I would have conversations using private messenger and the topics would range from recipes to politics to family. She always checked on my family during the BLM riots and pandemic. Diane was a big virtual cheerleader for everyone. I will miss our virtual friendship so much. RIP sweet Diane. Heaven has gained an amazing Angel.
So sad to hear of Diane’s passing. Looking forward to greeting her again in the resurrection.
Praying for her family, thankful that her sweet daughter Sarah is my daughter-in-law.
((Hugs))
I am so sad to hear of Dianes passing. We would always message each other about Joliet and grandkids. I will miss her daily pics of grandkids. RIP my friend. I lost my sister the same way, my heart goes out to your family❤
I met Diane on my first day of seventh grade at Connolly Jr. High School after moving to Tempe from Maine. She understood my culture shock and we soon became best friends. We bonded over music (Chicago!). When we moved on to MDN we drifted apart due to different friends and interests. But we found each other again as adults on MySpace and Facebook and became fast friends again. I adored Diane. She never failed to make me feel better and to laugh at her adventures with her granddaughters. She even became friends with my daughter, and helped boost her self-esteem. Diane, you will always be in my heart.
She was a very supportive friend. I will miss her very much!
Diane and I were childhood friends from the youth group at Holy Trinity. We continued our friendship throughout our adult lives. She was always full of life and interested in the lives of others. She will be greatly missed by all, but in particular, her granddaughters. Rest in the Father’s arms, Diane. Until we meet again!
Coumbaro and Coumbara Bruskas, Kristen & Presbytera Denise, the Gilbert Children, and Diane’s children , Husband, and Grandchildren. I will miss Diane and being close to Your Family since the baptism of My Son Steve in 1978, I have so many memories that I will always hold dear!♥️ I pray that the Lord’s grace is with You All and that Her memory may be eternal✝️
Thea Rita, Theo Chris, Denise, Kristin and Diane’s children, I’m send my love and support to all of you on Diane’s sudden passing. Take comfort in knowing she no longer suffers and is in a place of peace with Christ our savior. Memory eternal.
Diane had the biggest heart.We became cousins by marriage when I was 12,but she always made me feel as if I was born into the family.We had just reconnected 5 yrs ago and I will miss talking to her.Thank You Diane,I will miss you
I am so very sorry for the entire family’s loss of Diane. I have such great memories of her and know the Heaven gained such a beautiful soul. Love from the Diamanti-Adkins family.