Lee A Diauto

Lee Ann Diauto remains the only daughter of Frank and Lois Diauto. She was an original.  Not simply for her love of family, her love of friends, her love of sharing and her love of the arts.  She was an original because she truly loved.  She loved so many of us without conditions and without expectations. She gave of herself because she loved us.  She told us over and over and she really, really meant it.  We should all learn from her.  She held us in her heart from the moment she met us...and she never let go.  Survived by her brothers David, James, Frank, Charlie and Kris and their families.  They knew she was here for them all as well as her Sisters-in-law, many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.  She loved them all as only she knew how...unconditionally. 

Forever  thoughtful, witty and spontaneous.  She made her family proud.  She did what the rest of us wished for.  She performed, she designed, she learned and she taught.  Lee was gifted in so many things.  Not an occasion would pass where she wouldn't offer a gentle note of kindness to let you know she was thinking about you.  Children gave her joy.
 
She graduated from Lowell State College in Massachusetts.  She knew she wanted to become a music teacher.  She did just that.  She taught countless children who are now parents and carpenters, and lawyers and business owners and of course... teachers themselves...thanks to Lee.  She was an inspiration to many.  While in college, she achieved much more than teaching skills.  She developed life-long friendships with the people around her.  She loved them so.  She grew and developed as so many of us do.  She never stopped learning.

A beautiful independent spirit lived inside her.  She remodeled, she built, she improved so much more than her physical surroundings.  She had a way of reshaping your thinking.  She would discover new things and share them with you.  She would hand craft something beautiful for you.  With you in mind.  She would craft it as if a small portion of her very soul would go along with it.  It was love.  It was her loving you.  Because she did and she would forever more. 

Lee entered this world on a Thursday.  Born in Weymouth, Massachusetts.  Growing up and graduating from high school in Randolph, Massachusetts; she later lived in the Berkshires of Western Mass.  She taught music curriculum by day.  She challenged tradition by teaching Rock Opera vs. Mozart.  She encouraged students to value music theory, its social significance and its beauty. As a teacher she was loved by her students because she cared for them.  And they knew it.  

She starred in live performances ranging from the dramatic to musicals in her spare time.  Her voice on stage was fabulous and she won the acclaim of her peers on countless occasions in shows such as "Anything Goes", "Two Gentlemen of Verona", "The Student Prince" and many others.  Later she moved to Florida where she worked and sang her way into the hearts of patrons at Pietros in New Smyrna Beach as well as their next location, Peter Scott's in Longwood.  She became part of the "family" at both places and loved them dearly.  She had a way of surrounding herself with people full of joy and life...just like her.


When she re-entered teaching in Kissimmee, Florida she once again found a "family".  Her fellow teachers shared her passion for so many things.  The students, the curriculum, their successes, their challenges and so much more.  They grew together because they found beauty and strength in their friendship.  It was easy to do because Lee shared her thoughts and ideas so openly.  Her warmth invited compassion.  And their friendships developed into love and respect for each other which endured through family celebrations and family tragedies.  


It could be said Lee left this world on a Friday.  For those of us who had the good fortune to be part of her world.  To love her and to be loved by her.  We know she lives with us forever.  Take a moment to watch a leaf fall, listen to a bird's song or witness a dragonfly landing on a flower and you will know the gentle love Lee held for you.

"A heart is not judged by how much you love; but by how much you are loved by others."  
                                                                                                                                                The Wizard of OZ

Please feel free to share your thoughts and comments.  If you have a favorite story involving Lee, we would love to hear it.  

Lee had contributed to dozens of charitable organizations throughout her life.  The one she chose to donate to in the end was SPAY THE STRAYS located in Saint Cloud, Florida.  They do fine work and need financial help.  Perhaps you could contribute a small amount in Lee's memory.  If you choose to do so, please use the link below to donate in Lee's name. 
PLEASE LOOK AT THE TRIBUTE WALL LOCATED HIGHER UP ON THIS PAGE TO SEE A HANDWRITTEN MESSAGE FROM LEE TO US ALL.

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