Diane J. Scharnhorst Obituary – Mayfield Heights, OH

Diane J. Scharnhorst

OBITUARY

DIANE J. SCHARNHORST (nee Lastoria), age 92 of Mayfield Hts., OH, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2026 surrounded by her loved ones.Beloved wife to the late Don Scharnhorst; dearest mother of David Lastoria (Philly), Danny Lastoria (Debbie Ohly, former daughter-in-law), Denise DeLauro (C.J.), and Darlene Lastoria; loving grandmother of Nicole Butler (Alex), Brandon Chamberlin (Meghan), Brittani Shipek (Tommy), Daniel Lastoria (Erica), Mallory DeLauro, Grace DeLauro (Josiah Kenniv), and Eve DeLauro and great-grandmother of Alaina, Brody, Skyler, Addy, Daylen, Trace, Neve, and Desmond; dear sister of Karen Willes; aunt of many nieces and nephews.Diane was born In New York City to the late Al and Sally Russell who were Vaudeville entertainers. In her early childhood she was raised by her loving grandparents in Canada where she went to school and made wonderful memories. Diane returned to the states when her sister, Karen, was born and settled in the Cleveland area.There is no one better to testify of Diane’s legacy than her four children. Diane cultivated a home full of security, comfort, and unconditional love. Her impact was not just on her own children but also on their friends who considered the Lastoria home a safe place to hang out, and also to talk to and confide in Diane.When her children were young, they describe their childhood as being full of innocence, wonder, and freedom to play and explore. They didn’t need to worry because their mom took care of everything and never placed a burden onto them. As they grew, Diane became a best friend who was always there to talk and to offer words of encouragement.Diane waited until her children were mostly graduated from high school before she moved to California where her parents, and sister lived. It was there that she was able to pursue her own career goals, married the love of her life, and bought the house of her dreams. As a lover of animals, her new home in the desert was a safe haven to dozens of cats as well as several beloved dogs, and one pot bellied pig!After the death of her husband, Diane returned to Ohio where she got to be more present in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren! Even as she declined in health, Diane maintained the optimism she was known for, and continued to be generous with her time, words of affirmation, and love.In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions in memory of Diane to The Cleveland Animal Protective League, 1729 Willey Ave #1, Cleveland, OH 44113.Memorial Service WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2026 at 6 p.m. at the SCHULTE & MAHON-MURPHY FUNERAL HOME, 5252 MAYFIELD RD., LYNDHURST (BETWEEN RICHMOND AND BRAINARD). Interment private, Knollwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday, June 10 FROM 4 P.M. UNTIL THE TIME OF SERVICE. Order flowers and sign Tribute Wall at:www.murphyfamilyfuneralhome.com