Diane Renee (Green) DeFilipi

On May 22, 2024, Diane Renee (Green) DeFilipi, 76, of Napa, left this world unexpectedly. The beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend is reuniting with loved ones that she is happy to hug again.

Diane was born on July 10, 1947, to Cherie Green and Stan Green in Los Angeles, CA. She graduated from Dr. Walter A. Maier Lutheran High School of Los Angeles in 1965, the same place she met Dennis Lewis, whom she married in 1966 (later divorced). They went on to have two beautiful daughters, Deniese and Danielle.

In 1980, Diane began working as a spare parts manager for ALS Corp., forming fond friendships with coworkers that she cherished all of her days. When the dream of opening her own bed-and-breakfast called her name in 1988, she moved to Napa, CA, where she soon took on a role as the manager of the Wine Country Inn. With her foot in the door, a head full of ideas, and a fiercely independent spirit, she finally welcomed guests to the Ink House Bed and Breakfast in 1996 as the proud new owner and innkeeper. Diane enjoyed over ten years of memories in that cozy, yellow inn, all while falling more deeply in love with the hospitality industry. Her next business ventures—Ask Diane Hospitality, Let’s Go Cook Italian, and Let’s Go Cook Le Bon Cuisine—capitalized on her lifelong love of cooking, eating good food, European travels, and making memorable experiences. Whether it was facilitating reservations, hosting cooking classes to share the wonders of Italian and French cuisine, or opening eyes to colorful culture, it filled her heart to watch big plans come to life. A strong sense of resourcefulness, organization, and determination was the key to her every adventure and success. 

Her dearest passion was for her family and the history, traditions, and recipes that helped to make it so precious. Diane often told stories of generations past and shared special memories in hopes of keeping them alive in everyone’s hearts. It was her knack for storytelling that kept her in touch with her inner child and sparked bonds with her grandchildren founded on imagination, magic, and extravagant forts. But, no matter how one came to befriend Diane, her resolute, kind, and generous spirit was undeniable and fostered a warmth that will truly be missed—along with her damn fine cooking. Friends and family alike will raise their wine glasses in honor of the drinks they wish they could share with her once again.

Diane was predeceased by her father, Stan Green. She is survived by her mother, Cherie Green; her daughters, Deniese Steelman and Danielle Cassayre; sons-in-law, Maury Steelman and Matthew Cassayre; four grandchildren: Robin Steelman, Daniel Steelman, Marissa Cassayre, and Dylan Cassayre; and three great-grandchildren: Emily, Hazel, and Scarlett Steelman. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Dave and Corri Slater, and her dear friend, Eric Smith. 

A Celebration of Life will be held in the chapel at Tulocay Cemetery on June 28, 2024 at 11:00 AM, with a simple, Italian lunch reception—featuring a few of her favorite dishes—to follow. Diane requested that guests not wear all black, but to please consider incorporating her favorite color: purple.

If you feel moved to do so, In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an institution Diane held close to her heart.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Diane Renee (Green) DeFilipi, please visit our floral store.