Diana Columbo

Wednesday evening, January 13, 2021, Diana Thrift Columbo peacefully passed away at the age of 79 from the effects of ALS. Diana was born to John Hadden and Doris Thrift on May 7, 1941 and was raised in Dinwiddie, Virginia. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister with whom she was very close, Barbara Thrift Brown, and a beloved aunt, Polly Moody. Diana is survived by her cousins, Debbie Seidel and Linda Inge; brother, John Thrift; nephew, John Thrift Jr.; children, Brian and Lisa Columbo; and grandson, Neven Columbo. Her daughter-in-law, Donna Columbo, adopted her sweet cat Maddie. In her last months, Diana’s children cared for her in her home while she appreciated the visits, calls, cards and well wishes from her family and friends.
After earning a Business Associates degree and raising her children in Richmond, Virginia, Diana worked many years at Philip Morris in a secretarial position. She eventually retired and went to work at Call Federal for many more years. Diana was very independent and enjoyed working in her yard, creating a nice home, spending time with friends, staying organized, and busy. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 29, 2021 in Blandford Cemetery, 319 S. Crater Road, Petersburg, Virginia 23803, Ed Kross, James River Hospice Chaplain, will officiate. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the local ALS Association (www.ALS.org/DC-MD-VA).   The family is being served by The Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory 2033 Boulevard Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.