Ave Maria University Legacy Society Member: Diane M. Corcelli

Tom Monaghan with Diane Corcelli

When Diane Corcelli’s name appears on the Legacy Society’s plaque on the Rosary Wall, she wants it to read, “Diane M. Corcelli in loving memory of her mother, Anna DePalma Corcelli.” A spry 90-year-old who called Cleveland her home before moving to Bonita Springs, Diane wishes to honor her mother because “she was the number one influencer for my faith.” She tells how her Italian-born mother adopted the Blessed Virgin Mary as her mother because she was only three years old when she lost her own mother. She walked to Mass nearly every day, even in the harsh Ohio winters.

“I could never measure up to her,” Diane says. “She said the rosary every day—several of them—and was a huge part of my faith journey.”

Diane had an impressive career in public relations, most notably for George Voinovich, who was mayor of Cleveland, then governor of the state, and finally a U.S. senator. She spent 16 years in his employ and ultimately retired when she was “young enough to be active” in 1997. Her life goal was to move to Florida, and she did that 27 years ago.

Ave Maria University is one of Diane’s designated beneficiaries and her planned gift is unrestricted. When asked how she learned about AMU, she said she read about it in the newspaper and was impressed. She attended several presentations at the Hilton by AMU Founder Tom Monaghan and was eventually invited to dinner with him. “It was a privilege to meet him. I admire what he did with the University. I love the idea of a Catholic college—I went to Ohio University because I could only afford a state university.”

Diane is blessed to have three siblings in their 90s—two brothers who are 97 and 95 and a sister who is 92. She laughs when she says, “It never dawned on me that I was going to get old; at least I am the baby of the family.” The fact that she stays mentally and physically active is obviously a contributing factor to her young-at-heart charm and personality. On a daily basis you’ll find her swimming laps in the pool, working at her computer, socializing with friends and neighbors, and simply enjoying her stunning view of the ocean.