Diane Christine Cartaina died on Monday, August 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family after losing her battle with ovarian cancer.  Diane was born in Belleville and lived in Clifton and North Haledon her entire life.  She studied Psychology and received her bachelor’s degree from Seton Hall University and her master’s degree in teaching from Montclair State University.  Diane’s life work was as a special education teacher in the Haledon Public School system.  Her students were her “children.”  She loved them as her own, taught them and advocated for them. She was a leader and the president of the local teacher’s association.  She had a profound impact on the lives of so many students, colleagues and families.   Diane’s humor was only outmatched by her generosity and selflessness.

Diane is survived by her loving parents, John and Gloria Cartaina, her brother John Cartaina and his wife, Helene, and their two children, Zoe and Jack, whom she cherished.  Diane has countless life long friends, was the proud godmother to seven children and Aunt Diane to dozens of children of family and friends.  Diane’s passion and pure love for her family, friends and her “children” will be missed deeply.

Family and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Mass on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at St. Philip Church, 797 Valley Road, Clifton, NJ 07013 at 10:45AM.  Mass will be celebrated at 11AM.   Cremation was private and held under the direction of Nazare Memorial Home, Inc. 403 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst, NJ.  You may express condolences to Diane’s family by using our tribute wall.    In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to Autism Speaks online by clicking here or a fund set up to support her students online by clicking here.