Diane Marianne DeFina Staudinger

June 24, 1942--January 13, 2026

Malta, NY- Diane passed away peacefully at home on January 13, 2026.

Diane was the daughter of Guido DeFina (deceased) and Eileen Balduzzi (deceased) and a stepdaughter to Elaine Curran DeFina (deceased).  She was born in the Caribbean Island of St. Lucia, British West Indies while her father was employed there. Guido remarried Elaine Curran and the family relocated to Amsterdam, NY from Medford, Mass when Diane was five years old. Her aunts Vicki Romano and Evelyn Ellis were her caretakers in her early years.

Diane graduated from Medford High School, Medford, Mass. in 1961. The family had relocated back to Medford, but Guido died suddenly when Diane was eighteen years of age. After high school, the family moved back to Amsterdam, NY. Her early career years were as a beautician. Later she was employed by NYS Dept. of Criminal Justice and retired from that agency.

Diane and her sister Daryl grew up together in Amsterdam, NY. Later in life Diane reconnected with her other sisters Joanne and Maureen. She enjoyed spending time together with them and with her nieces and nephews.

Diane met the love of her life William (Bill) Staudinger and they have been married for over 35 years residing in Malta, NY. Diane had a great talent for painting and other types of crafts. They were very active in the Southern Saratoga Art Society, Malta Seniors and activities at Corpus Christi Church.

They enjoyed attending jazz festivals, various music venues, and dancing. Diane really enjoyed decorating her home, gardening and other hobbies.

Diane is survived by her husband William Staudinger; grandson Anthony Angley of Troy, NY; stepchildren Brian (Jannette) Staudinger of Oviedo, FL, Stacey (Lance) Sorelli of Cornersville, TN. and their children; her sisters Daryl (Douglas) Ferguson of Greensboro, NC and family,  Maureen West of South Windsor, Conn. and Joanne (Michael) Prendergast and family. She has many cousins from the DeFina/Curran families.

She was predeceased by her daughter Holly Hampson.

Diane's family would like to give a special thank you to Felicia's Home Care Management LLC and her staff, and Hospice of Saratoga County for the attentive care she received.

Relatives and friends may call from 10-11am, Monday January 19, 2026 at Corpus Christi Church, 2001 US-9, Round Lake, NY 12151 followed by a Mass at 11am.

Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers Memorial contributions can be made to Corpus Christi Church , 2001 US-9 Round Lake NY 12151.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com