Diane Zizzi, 64, of New Hartford, undeniably left this world a better place than she'd found it when she passed away on August 12, 2011 after a short battle with cancer in the arms of her beloved husband, Joseph. Born to Frank and Beatrice (Herpy) Everett, she was raised and educated in Clinton, NY, a place she remained fond of throughout her life. It was in Clinton, at the Hamilton College Chapel, that she was joined in marriage to Joseph A. Zizzi on August 21, 1976. After graduating as the Salutatorian of the Clinton High School Class of 1965, Diane went on to study at the prestigious Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts. Upon graduation, Diane pursued her dream career, working as a Special Educator for Oneida County BOCES for 36 years, a passion that began at an early age, when she spent time as a babysitter for neighborhood children and her summers as a volunteer at a local daycare for migrant children. She further earned an M.S. in Education from Syracuse University. Her incredible love for and dedication to those wonderful children still remains evident in the lives of many special people, who have never forgotten "Mrs. Z." After retiring in 2005, Diane chose to unselfishly spend her time working with children, as a teacher for First Nursery School of Utica. She was happiest when she was making a child smile. Most notable among those whose lives Diane touched are her husband Joseph Zizzi of New Hartford, her daughter and very best friend, Sara Zizzi and her significant other, Will Putmon Jr. of Syracuse, NY, brother Scott and Debbie Everett of New Hartford, NY, sister Maureen (Rhett) and Glenn Allen of Clinton, NY, step-children Paul and Mary Zizzi of Atlanta, GA, Gabrielle and the late Stephen Hoffman of Long Island, NY, Kathryn Meyers of West Hartford, CT, David and Deniz Zizzi of Atlanta, GA, Lorrayne and Rob Price of Williamsville, NY, dear friends Matt and Jackie Russo of West Winfield, NY and Cathie Russo Barfield of New Hartford, as well as nine step-grandchildren. Special thanks to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Philadelphia, P.A. for their exemplary love and care for Diane during her illness. A memorial service in celebration of Diane's life will be held at Crown Hill Memorial Park in Clinton on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Nursery School of Utica Diane Zizzi Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Nadean Gleitsmann, 1605 Genesee St., Utica, NY 13501.