Diana Whelan

Diana (Brunetto) Whelan, co-founder of a Reading funeral home, went peacefully to the Lord on Sept. 27, 2006, at 6:05 a.m. in Victoria Manor, North Cape May, N.J. Whelan, 92, formerly of Reading, was predeceased by her husband, Francis J. A�a�A"BudA�a�A� Whelan, on Sept. 22, 1992.

She was the co-founder of Whelan Funeral Home Inc., North Ninth Street, in 1946 and operated the funeral home until Mr. WhelanA�a�a��s retirement in 1971.

Born in Reading on April 14, 1914, she was a daughter of the late Salvatore and Lucia (Tizzone) Brunetto.

She was a member of St. JosephA�a�a��s Roman Catholic Church, Reading.

Whelan enjoyed long walks, going out to dinner and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving is a daughter, Veronica D. (Whelan), wife of Gregory Giancola, Cape May, N.J., with whom she resided.

Other survivors include a sister, Rose (Brunetto) Santaspirt, Pennsauken, N.J.

There also are three grandsons: Greg Giancola II, New York City; Sean, husband of Shawna Giancola, Wilton, Conn.; and Brian, husband of Jill Giancola, Cape May; and three great-grandchildren: Marissa, Ryan and Alec Giancola.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. JosephA�a�a��s Roman Catholic Church with the Rev. Luis Bonilla officiating. Calling hours are 9 to 10 a.m. in the church. Burial will be in Gethsemane Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Holy Redeemer Hospice, 1801 US Highway 9, North Swainton, NJ 08210. Whelan Schwartz Funeral Home Inc. is in charge of arrangements.