Diane Turner, sender of care packages

Diane Marie Turner, 66, of Upper Darby, whose dedication to American troops included sending care packages to those deployed abroad, died Tuesday, Sept. 24, of heart failure at her home.

She had not been ill, her family said.

Many years ago, the former Diane Marie DiValerio helped form the Upper Darby Marine Corps League Detachment No. 884 of Upper Darby Ladies Auxiliary. She was a past president.

In 2003, she started a program in which the auxiliary sent hundreds of cartons filled with comfort items for the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"She had the whole community donating things," said her daughter, Kim Chambers. "She sent 15 packages a week. They knew her very well at the post office."

In 2005, in recognition of her activities on behalf of military and veterans organizations, Mrs. Turner was awarded the Chapel of Four Chaplains Award. She was humbled and amazed, her daughter said.

"She did not consider herself the hero - she was supporting the heroes - but that's how we thought of her," Kim Chambers said.

Born in Philadelphia, Mrs. Turner was a 1967 graduate of Archbishop Prendergast High School.

For 35 years, she provided day care for special-needs children under age 5 in her home. The youngsters were referred by Delaware County Children and Youth Services.

Mrs. Turner was also a past president of the Delaware County Citizens Advisory Committee and had been active for many years with the Upper Darby Little League Association.

She met her husband, Donald G. Sr., because both their mothers worked at the Court Diner in Media, where he was a busboy. The mothers thought the two would like one another.

One of her greatest pleasures was spending time with family, especially her nine grandchildren. She was known for being cheerful and kind, and a jokester.

"She always tried to brighten your day with a lot of care, concern, encouragement and hugs," her family said. "She will be greatly missed not only by her family, but the entire community as well."

In addition to her husband, daughter and grandchildren, she is survived by her mother, Anita Bockus Bello; son Donnie Jr.; another daughter, Michele Kiesel; a brother; five sisters; and nieces and nephews.

A life celebration will be held Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., at Spencer T. Videon of Drexel Hill, Garrett Road at Shadeland Avenue.

A Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 a.m. at St. Laurence Roman Catholic Church, 8245 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby. Interment is in Washington Crossing National Veterans Cemetery, Newtown.

Donations may be made to Operation First Response, 20037 Dove Hill Rd., Culpeper, Va. 22701. The group helps wounded soldiers and their families.

To share memories, visit www.lifecelebration.com.