Diana Eleonor Mena

Diana Eleonor Quinn- Mena, 82, died peacefully on August 15, 2023.

Diana Eleonor Quinn - Mena, was one of a set of twins born to Catherine Williams and Miguel Quinn, on August 26th, 1940, in Bocas del Toro, Panama. At an early age the family moved to Colon, Panama and later to San Miguelito in Panama City. As one of the elder children, all throughout her childhood and adulthood she has always been a protector of her siblings, especially her twin sister. She always had a spicy character and a saucy mouth.. which would get her into trouble- she was notorious for breaking some of the house rules and would just suffer the consequences after. Music was an instrumental part of her childhood and this would play a major role in the rest of her life, as well. Dances were sometimes a source of her getting into trouble with her mom and she would often break curfew but she was responsible. She would be the one to run errands for her mother, who was also a tireless hard worker. Diana was always on the go and would do anything for her family, especially her mom. All characteristics of the strong willed, funny, witty, loving, caring and devoted woman she would become.

In 1963 Diana married Aurelio Mena, the love of her life. By 1964, their first child together, Nixia Catalina was born. A couple of her mom’s good friends had left Panama and moved to Brooklyn. They were true and dear friends to her mother and always looked out for them. In the same manner they offered to sponsor Diana to make a new start in New York, in 1965. A difficult decision to leave her young child behind, with family, as well as her husband and head for America in search of a better life for her and her family.

She would settle in with her eldest sister, Margarita (Nena), in Brooklyn and would find work as a nanny, with a family on Long Island. In search of a better life and to reunite her family, Diana would make her way to NYC and work for Beth Israel Hospital as a registered dietician. It was at Beth Israel Hospital she met her lifelong best friend Joan Rollins. Eventually, Diana sent for her husband and later her daughter. With her family whole again, she and her husband would attend dances and parties and bring their young child to the events, as well… as they didn’t have a babysitter. This also instilled the love of music and dancing, in her daughter, as well. She introduced her to James Brown, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin and Martin Luther King, Jr. - as she had the ‘I have a Dream album” and would play it all the time. Throughout those early years, she and her husband eventually paved the way for many family members, on both sides of the family, to make their way to America, as well, for a better life.

Diana would later enter the NYC educational system as a paraprofessional, have another daughter, Diarelia, and get her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Medgar Evers College. She became a beloved Bilingual teacher for 1st and 2nd graders, at P.S.151, in Bushwick, Brooklyn, for many years. A first for her immediate family. She mentored and tutored many children outside of school. She had after school tutoring sessions for some of the kids, in her home, from the neighborhood, whose parents were new to the country and needed help for their children to succeed in school.This at times, also included educating the parents. She was always giving of herself to make a better way for others. She returned to school, after her daughters were older, and obtained her Masters from Long Island University - another first in her family. Many children would return to P.S. 151 to see her and let her know they had gone on to College due to the influence she had on them in 1 and or 2nd grade. She truly loved her profession and the children. They would call her “ Mrs. Mena, Mrs. Mena…” She worked at P.S.151 until her retirement, where she forged many relationships with the children and with her colleagues. Without a doubt, Education was stressed within and outside of the home to all who would listen and heed to her advice. She had a motto “ Nunca para tras, siempre para lante.” — Never look back, always move forward. She was a mother figure to many…

Diana was a woman of faith and instilled that faith within the home, for her daughters. She may have missed mass, but she would make sure they didn’t. She and her husband provided them both with a Catholic education. It was expensive, but they both sacrificed to make sure their daughters had all they needed, including a foundation of faith. Her faith would be tested many times, but the loss of her daughter, in the 9/11 attacks, in 2001 was devastating, not only for her but for the entire extended family. She leaned greatly on her faith, her family, her inner strength and her conviction to continue to stand despite this great loss. Three years later, she lost her eldest daughter, as well. Another test of her faith..in true form, she forged on leaning on her faith, family and being there to support her grandchildren as best she could.

Diana loved to travel and she loved shopping and dining. She would travel with colleagues to Europe and the Holy Land. She would make visits to her daughter in Italy, France and Germany. In retirement she moved back to Panama with her husband. They would travel throughout the Caribbean and Europe and make great new friends as well strengthen their family ties. Shopping… we all know this was one of her favorite past times. Her grandson would call her the “ Shopping Lady.” Dining – she was a great cook and she loved to dine out and have a great meal. Needless to say she loved ice cream and an ice cold Corona. Many gatherings were had at 37 Wilson ave in Brooklyn. Lots of food, laughter, music, dancing, family and friends. Those traditions continued in Panama, as well.

After her husband’s passing and her Alzheimer’s diagnosis, her daughter moved her to New Jersey. She would reside for the latter part of her life surrounded by love and support. She fought this disease with all her strength. She made new connections and new memories for those now supporting and caring for her.

Above all else, she loved her family. She wanted the best for all. She was a tough cookie, at times, but it was all rooted in love. Diana and her other half, twin sister Marva Collins share a bond that can never be broken or forgotten despite the trials and tribulations of life. It is truly special… When Diana loved she loved hard, sincerely, with all her heart and you felt it. We will always remember her laughter, her jokes, her sayings, her smile, her hugs, her wisdom and her dancing.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Aurelio Mena; cherished daughters, Ilka Damaris and Diarelia Mena; and dear sister, Carmen Griffiths

Surviving are her devoted daughter, Nixia, dear son-in-law, Wendell, six cherished grandchildren Aurelio Manuel, Lidia Damaris, Anell Paul, Wendell Davide, Julian Aurelio, Karelia Ajanae; three adored great grandchildren - Mason Aurelio, Blake Alexander and Layla Damaris, dear siblings - Marva Collins, Margarita (Nena) Christian, Claudia Nunez, Yadira Quinn, Carlos Quinn, Rogelio Quinn and Miguel Quinn, and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family and many beloved friends.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00PM on Thursday, August 24, 2023 at Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Avenue, Somerville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00AM on Friday, August 25, 2023 at The Church of The Immaculate Conception, 35 Mountain Avenue, Somerville.
Family and friends are welcome to gather at the funeral home beginning at 9:00AM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will also be celebrated at 10:00AM on Friday, September 1, 2023 at Parroquia San Juan Apostol in Brisas del Golf, Panama.

Interment will take place at Jardin de Paz in Panama City, Panama.