Donata "Diane" Jean Pardue

South Portland - Donata "Diana" (Aceto) Pardue, 95, of South Portland, passed away November 7, 2021 at her daughter's home. Diana was born on February 28, 1926 in Portland to the late Vincenzo and Josephine (Addario) Aceto. Like many first-generation Italians in Portland, Diana grew up in a large family and was raised in Little Italy. Like many in her neighborhood, Diana attended North School and Portland High School and was a communicant of St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church. Diana was married to Ronald Pardue, Sr. in the 1940's. During this time, Ronald was actively serving in the military during WWII. One of the timeless artifacts in the Pardue family is a photo of Ronald while he was stationed overseas holding up a letter and photo he received from Diana documenting the birth of his son. Once Ronald returned home from the war, he and Diana made their home on Newbury Street, later moving to Munjoy Hill where they raised their family on the foundation of love. She worked as a waitress and seamstress while the kids were growing up. Having a tremendous work ethic, she still found time to ensure she made her famous pizza, rigatoni and meatballs for her children and the neighborhood kids. One of her famous sayings was, "As long as there is a roof over your head, food in your stomach, and you're warm, nothing else matters." As a mother, she did just that - she made sure her children were well cared for and loved. She enjoyed many things in life, especially bingo, trips to the casino, knitting and crocheting. However, her primary source of joy was the time she spent with her family. She is predeceased by her husband, Ronald Pardue, Sr.; son, Ronald Pardue, Jr.; grandson, Scott Pardue; siblings, Jenny, Mary, Frances, Tony, Dickie and Irene. Diana is survived by her daughters, Judy Whynot and husband Robert of South Portland, Pamela Wildes of South Portland and Cindy Pardue of South Portland. She is also survived by her siblings, Anna Flaherty of Portland, Dolores Joy of Portland, Gloria Steward of Portland and Joseph Aceto of Scarborough; 8 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren. Visiting Hours celebrating Diana's life will be held from 11AM-1PMon Monday, November 15 at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel followed by a service at 1PM. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. Following the burial, a reception will be held at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel. To view Diana's memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.