Mrs. Diana Marie (Yacco) Hajdasz-Pierce

ORISKANY, NY - Mrs. Diana Marie (Yacco) Hajdasz-Pierce, age 71, passed into the arms of the Lord on Friday, November 5, 2021, with those she loved most in her heart. Diana was born in Utica on April 22, 1950 to the late Armando V., Sr. and Beatrice Rose (Locascio) Yacco. Raised locally, Diana attended Utica schools and graduated from T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1968. At one time she had been married to Stephen Hajdasz, Jr., who passed on September 12, 2016; to that marriage came the blessing of seven beautiful children. Diana was fortunate to find love again with Thomas A. “Tom” Pierce, whom she married on February 23, 2004. Their union was truly a witness of love and blessing to those who knew them. An excellent mother, Diana was both loving and devoted to her family. She found an abundance of purpose in faithfully taking care of her children. When she wasn’t looking after her kids, Diana helped provide for them through her gainful employment at the Oneida County Purchasing Department, where she worked as a Buyer. Here, Diana served dependably for 21 years, until her retirement on October 1, 2018. A woman of great faith, Diana lived her life prioritizing her relationship with God. She knew if He came first, all other relationships would fall into their proper place. Diana was very spiritual, and upon encountering her, countless people felt that they had met the love of God in her gaze. Diana truly possessed a special gift: she touched the lives of many with her love, especially through her role as a Greeter at Redeemer Church. As the first of the granddaughters on the Locascio side, Diana was adored and celebrated throughout her childhood. Her role as granddaughter was further cemented when she was born, having been named after her grandmother. Diana always remained young at heart, as she could often be found playing word games on her phone, and even enjoyed adult coloring books! Ultimately, Diana will be remembered as a loving and caring mother who adored her children and grandchildren, and had a smile that lit up a room. Diana is survived by her cherished husband, Tom; and her children and their loves, Billy and Rhonda Hajdasz, Melanie and Andy Myers, Stephen Hajdasz and Tara Worwa, Amanda and Andy Melendez, Keith and Christina Hajdasz, Heather Hajdasz and fiancé Kenyon Burvick, and Scott and Kelly Hajdasz; as well as her step-daughters, Jennifer Pierce, and Laura and Justin Morales. Diana held close the memory of her step-daughter, Katherine “Katy” Pierce who passed in 2003. Diana will be fondly remembered by her grandchildren, Joshua, Jonathan; Brianna, Andrew; Audrina, Angelina, Arya; Jessica, Shawna; Mitchell, Kismet; Jaxson; Gage, Destiny, Mikenzee, Hailey, Kalianna, Shyanne, and Savannah; her great-grandchild, Joshua “JJ”; and her step-grandchildren, Olivia, Abigail, and Paulina. Diana is also survived by her sisters and brother-in-law, Denise Buczek, and Deborah and Bill Loomis; her brother and sister-in-law, Armando, Jr. and Lisa Yacco; her nieces and nephews, Noelle Arcuri, Melissa Vallejo, Justin Loomis, Jason Loomis, Michael Yacco, and Vinny Yacco; and her aunts, Mary Carrock, and Terry Hahn. Additionally, she is survived by her in-laws, Betty Liles, and Julia Meador. Diana shared many wonderful and cherished friendships that she held near and dear throughout her life. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Diana’s daughter Amanda, who acted as her Home Care Aid and attended to Diana’s needs with loving care. Visitation will be held on Wednesday evening, November 17, 2021, from 6:00 to 7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Final Prayers will be offered at the conclusion of visitation. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Quotes from Diana’s loved ones: Thomas - Diana was the “love of my life”. I will always keep the image of her radiant glow; she was the most precious love I have ever known. I will always treasure her smiles, her hugs, and especially her laughter. Amanda – Myself, Brianna, and mom were the 3 Musketeers mom would say! As we laughed when we went on our adventures. Favorite moment is when mom climbed bald mountain after her heart surgery. It was her big heart and strength that I admired most. My mom would say I was her sunshine and made every day bright she always said was a different kind of special because I was the only one born at St. Elizabeth’s. Stephen- Mom brightened every room she entered especially the kitchen as she was always making goulash my favorite. And she always told me I'm always smiling. I'm glad she had the chance to meet her grandson Jaxson and her future daughter-in-law Tara Worwa. Her quote: “Stevie you have always been my favorite.” Billy- As mom’s first child she always told me she wanted a son and prayed I was a boy when she was pregnant. She loved my galumpkies. Mom will always be my heart and soul “Billy you are so special to me as my first born and I love you.” Heather- Every birthday she would call me and tell me how she went into labor baking 2 dozen cupcakes for Keith's class. Mom used to call me her “Tasmanian devil” LOL. Scott- My cherished moment is when my mom was dancing with me at my wedding for the first time in a long time. I felt peace swinging my mother around on the floor seeing her happy and dancing freely. She smiled so bright that you could see if for miles. Mom always said I had the roundest cutest face. Melanie: Mom always had such pleasure in telling everyone the details of my birth and saying I had a pie face and I'm her Pineapple Princess and my perfect little lips and I’m the light of her life. Mom always said to me “You are my best and brightest.” Keith: My mom was so special to me and she always told me “I was her favorite.” She loved without limits and we will miss her dearly. Mom use to say I looked like a movie star like Sylvester Stallone.

Mrs. Diana Marie (Yacco) Hajdasz-Pierce

April 22, 1950 - November 5, 2021