Forever a teacher, forever a student, and forever beloved by all who knew her, Diane Lynne Gatto left us to join her loving parents on August 16, 2021. Diane was the oldest of four daughters born to Charles and Bertha Caprista on June 10, 1948, in Santa Clara, California. She relished her status as the first born, and quickly established the traits that would serve her through her years as a teacher.
Shortly after graduating from San Jose State, Diane began working at Toyon Elementary School, where she made lifelong friends with the faculty and students, who all became a part of her family (Toyon Tigers forever!). She took a special interest in arachnids, and her classroom was often full of a variety of eight-legged creatures, much to the joy of her students. In addition to her time spent teaching, Diane single-handedly raised two boys who absolutely adored her, and who she made the center of her life.
Upon her retirement from Berryessa Unified School District, Diane devoted her time to friends and family, travelling with a group of wonderful friends and her sisters, joining a book club, volunteering with California History docents, and even excelling with her workout team, all with the zest for learning Diane had instilled in each of her students.
Diane had a magical existence. She turned the most normal task, like a morning walk for coffee, into a glorious experience to be envied by all she regaled her tales to. Diane’s greatest joy was spending time with her family. She relished the time with her two grandsons and her granddaughter - - she was their Gigi - - and they kept her young, laughing, and allowed her to continue to impart her teacher’s wit and witticism, while learning a thing or two from them. Everyone who met Diane had an instant connection; she was the most selfless, giving, and caring mom, sister, neighbor, mentor, and friend. Diane’s spirit and gusto lives on with all who knew her.
Diane is survived by her three sisters: Karen (Bill) Caprista, Cheryl (Jim) Caprista, and Lorri (Guido) Caprista, her two sons Greg (Jenna) and Geoff (Ania), her grandchildren Luca, Janek, and Eva, and nieces and nephews Nicole (Chris), Adam (Liz), Alison (Gabe), Rachelle (Guy), Michael, and Parisa, who love and miss her dearly.
In lieu of flowers or donations, thank a teacher, hug your family, and share a memory of Diane.
My beautiful Diane. You were the best of friends and always made every day a joy! Thanks for the love, friendship, laughter! Take care of your beautiful sons and their families and your dear sisters. There will never be another Diane. You will never be forgotten! Janet and Mike Wright
Always such a loving, caring friend and neighbor for over forty years. You were one of the bravest people we knew...raising your two wonderful sons with grace, dignity, and humility. You touched so many lives and have left such a hole in our hearts that can only be filled with precious memories of you. Let your bright light keep shining. Pave the way dear friend. Bob & Kathy Cancilla
My dear Diane, Thank you for being a wonderful person to children and teachers, calm but full of bright ideas which can be a lot of fun! I will think of you each time I see a rainbow, or roses and lilies, which you taught me to appreciate. Rest well and be at peace, my friend.
I have had the pleasure of knowing Diane in two ways. First, she was the Fourth Grade teacher of 3 of my four children. She remembered my kids fondly. That’s the kind of teacher she was.Later, we discovered mutual friends and saw each other socially. Such a kind,caring person who adored her grand babies. I believe that her bright light shines as a star! Peace be always with you, dear Diane
Thank you Diane for your positive energy and captivating smile. Both of my daughters were fortunate enough to have you as a teacher. You inspired your students in a magical way. As a friend I am honored to know you. Your dedication to family, friends and teaching will live on as a beautiful legacy. God Bless,
Sally Hunt
Diane was my designated mentor during my training period with the California History Docent program--at the end of which, I informed Diane that I was not giving up her mentorship. She threw back her head and laughed as she enveloped me in her warm hug and said, "Deal!" This is how I will always remember her: generous, enthusiastic, inquiring, a force of nature! Rest in peace, Diane.
Thank you, Diane for being such a wonderful traveling companion and friend on ten different trips to foreign and domestic destinations. I loved your enthusiasm, sense of adventure, humor, and camaraderie. I shall miss you, but will carry your spirit with me wherever I go. Thank you for sharing your "joie de vivre" with me. Shalom, Barbara M.
I met Diane when we were 13 years old. I was new to the school and some of her friends told her there was a new girl who looked like her. That was the beginning of a 60 year friendship. Diane was so loving and sweet and could make you feel wonderful just talking to her. She found joy in everything she experienced. I will miss you so much my dearest friend, Rest in peace. Cindy Sutter
Dear Diane,
I write this to you remembering our days together in high school as Panther Debs. Abd what a GREAT coincidence that u became friends with MY dear friend Janet! You came with Janet to visit me in Cabo about 30 years ago and we all had so much fun together. Today I will walk
Vasona Park and Janet and I will tell Diane stories as well as John stories. My darling John passed away exactly a month after you; Sept 16. Take care and rest well. Love, Mary Ristroph Bragg
Diane was the God Mother to my Bill and Scott. We met through our husbands, bonded on the spot and always had a place for each other. Diane took my hand after I lost my Bill and off we went to see Paris, something I always wanted to do……she made that happen. After that we continued to keep in touch and share what life had to give us. She was a special person. One who put all others in front of herself. She had the most positive attitude of anyone I have ever known. We had so many plans to travel again in the future, I will miss her dearly and never forget the love we had for each other and all the special memories she left me with. RIP my lovely friend. Cory Blasser
I miss you, GG I wish you could come to one of my sports games.
Sincerly your son Luca
