Diana Cecilia Czaja

Diana Cecilia Czaja, 78, of Ft. Collins, left this world to join God's heavenly kingdom November 25, 2023, after suffering a major stroke. She was born November 23, 1945, in Brockton, Massachusetts. There she graduated high school, and entered into nursing school. She was too empathetic to continue a nursing career, so she moved on. Diana was very active, playing basketball for the Boston Women's City league, as well as refereed women's basketball. She moved from Massachusetts to Colorado in 1976, fell in love with the beauty, and had lived there ever since. She is preceded in death by her parents, Vincent and Nellie Czaja, and her sister Elaine Occhipinti. She is survived by her loving husband of over 34 years, Steve Gibson, her sweet cat Bree, 3 daughters- June Hicks, Cynthia Braga, and Andrea Carrera, 1 son- Neil Braga, 6 grandchildren-Levi (Danielle), Katarena (Sean), Fabian (Megan), Eliysia (Nathan), Jared and Jenna, 3 great grandchildren- Ava, Kevin, and Amethyst, 2 "adopted" grandchildren- Shanelle and Noe, 1 sister- Anne Bantly (Allen) and 1 brother- Francis Czaja (Elaine), as well as many other extended family members. Diana worked for CSU for many years, her most recent title being accounting tech. She retired in 2011, and was very glad to have the time to visit with her kids and grandkids whom she loved very much. Also to be able to spend time with her husband and cats. She loved nature all her life, and she loved and taught her kids about adventure, and exploring new places. She and Steve spent many years fishing, hiking, and exploring the Rocky mountains. Their very first time meeting was on a singles group hike, in Rocky Mountain National Park. When she was younger in Massachusetts, she spent many long hours at the beaches and enjoying the ocean. Diana always had a great love for animals, and rescued and raised many over the years. She enjoyed reading, especially scripture and spiritual reads, puzzles, and word games. In her later years, she developed a love for football, which she watched with Steve, and discussed with her son Neil every Sunday. Her greatest love was the love of her life, Steve, and being able to share her life with him. As much love as she had for all of these, none could compare to the love she had for Jesus, and we as a family thank our Lord for not making her suffer. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her, until we meet again. Private family services will be held. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the animal shelter.

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Diana Cecilia Czaja

November 23, 1945 - November 25, 2023