Obituary of Diane Maria Gironda

Diane Maria Gironda Teacher and Counselor Diane M. Gironda (nee Matera) passed away peacefully at home on May 28, 2017 surrounded by family. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 10 N. Pocono Rd. Mountain Lakes on Wednesday at 10 AM. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Visitation is on Tuesday from 4-8 PM at the Codey & Mackey Funeral Home, 107 Essex Ave. Boonton. Diane was born and raised in Jersey City, later moving and raising her family in Mountain Lakes. She attended St. Aidan's Elementary School, her local parish and where she was later married. She also attended St. Aloysius High School and Jersey City State College where she received her Bachelor's Degree in teaching, and Master's Degree in counseling. She taught 8th grade at PS#17 School and then was a guidance counselor at PS#32 and Lincoln High School before accepting a guidance position at Morris County School of Technology in Denville for over 20 years. She was active in the MCST Education Association and the Morris County and NJ Education Associations. She was recognized for her professionalism as NJ Counselor of the Year and in the Extraordinary People section in the Star-Ledger. Diane was a doting and adoring grandmother to her grandchildren Mia, Alec and Savanna. Her grandchildren loved her dearly and she was a special part of their lives, and forever in their hearts. Her family was eternally grateful for her strong model of faith, support and love. The daughter of the late Vincent and Anne Matera, Diane was the beloved wife of 46 years to Dr. Ronald Gironda; loving mother of Dr. Marc Gironda and his wife Lori, and Lisa Barrett and her husband Matt; sister of Dr. Vincent Matera and his wife Corinne and Edward Matera and his wife Maria. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Diane had a special gift to connect with others. As a result, she maintained a large group of loyal and devoted friends. Everyone who knew Diane was touched by her strength and counsel. Her many lifelong friendships are a testament to her kind heart and generous spirit. Diane loved music, reading, traveling and cooking. She also treasured her time at the beach and Jersey Shore. But her favorite activity was spending time with her family. Her unrelenting optimism served as an inspiration to all. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center or to St. Catherine of Siena Church in her memory.