Dianna Kathryn DeLeo Shamel

Dianna Kathryn DeLeo Shamel, age 63, of Winston-Salem, passed away on May 3, 2026, at Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health. She was born on March 21, 1963, in Rochester, New York, and spent most of her youth in Wellsville and Painesville, Ohio.

She gave birth to the joy of her life, her daughter, Elizabeth “Ryn” Parsons, on December 5, 1988.

Dianna married Paul Shamel on January 11, 2018, in Winston-Salem. Together they shared many adventures, including railfanning, traveling, attending baseball games, and enjoying Western movies.

Dianna was full of love for her family, friends, and the elementary school children she taught for over ten years. She led after-school activities, with origami being her favorite. She was athletically gifted, playing basketball and tennis; however, her true talent was archery, earning her the nickname “Dianna, Goddess of the Hunt” from her husband.

She was very active in the SCA and enjoyed attending War of the Wings events, making many friends along the way until her declining health prevented further participation. She also attended online services of Peace Lutheran Church in Burlington, Wisconsin, which brought her great joy and peace.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Maxine DeLeo.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Paul Shamel, of the home; her daughter, Elizabeth Parsons of Asheville, NC; her brother, Robert DeLeo and wife Jackie of Christiana, TN; her dear friends Stephanie DiCato of Winston-Salem and Janet McGinty of Waterford, WI; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews in Ohio, Tennessee, and Florida. She dearly loved them all and was loved in return.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is assisting the family.

The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses at Atrium Health and ComForCare Home Care of Winston-Salem for their compassionate care during Dianna’s illness.

Memorials may be made to Peace Lutheran Church, 349 Wegge Court, Burlington, WI 53105; the Society for Creative Anachronism (www.sca.org); or to an animal or nature charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.