Dolores M. "Dee" (Diantoniis) Burchfield

Dolores (Dee) M. Burchfield, 87, of Altoona, passed away Monday. Dee was born a first generation Italian American daughter of the late Gabriel and Columba (DiClemente) Diantoniis.

Survived by daughters: Deborah (Ed) Ergler and Karen (Ron) George; sons: Robert Jr., Kevin (Sue), Stephen, and Mark (Tommi). Dee left behind a legacy of family including grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, James (Pete) Diantoniis: sisters, Mary Jacobs, Gilda (Jill) Hammer, and Ann Capwell; numerous nieces and nephews, and former spouse, Robert.

Preceded in death by her son, Douglas; grandson, Ryan Ergler; and brothers: Daniel, Joseph, and Richard.

Our beloved mother, Dee, graduated Altoona Area High School in 1954, and from Altoona School of Nursing in 1957, working as a Registered Nurse for over four decades, retiring from Bon Secours (Mercy) Hospital in Altoona, 1994. Dee was an amazing nurse and human being as she always put the needs of others first, especially her family, friends, and patients. Dee was a devout Catholic participating in church activities, was a choir member, and volunteering at Garvey Manor and Holy Trinity School in Hollidaysburg.

Dee loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grand children and attending their activities. She also enjoyed dinners out with her sisters, Jill and Mary, along with their best friend, Mary Pellegrini. Dee was also passionate about the holidays, especially Christmas, and football, Penn State, Pittsburgh Panthers and Steelers.

Dee was a member of PA Nurses Assoc., Buccinese Society and Cesare Battisti Club of Altoona.

Mom "Gram Dee"...Thank you for teaching us life's meaningful lessons of how to be a caring, kind, and loving human being..."Pray, Pray, Pray."

Friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023 in the Santella Funeral Home, where a vigil for the deceased will be held. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Monday, Oct. 30, 2023 at Sacred Heart Church in Altoona.

Donations in lieu of flowers will be accepted for either Sacred Heart Church, 511-20th St. Altoona PA 16602 or to the Central PA Humane Society, 1837 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd Altoona PA 16602.

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