Longtime St. Marys Resident Diane M. Nissel Passes Away at 80

Nissel was a lifelong member of the community and worked at the local Big Z store for many years.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Diane M. Nissel, a longtime resident of St. Marys, Pennsylvania, passed away on February 11, 2026 at the age of 80 following a brief illness. Nissel was a lifelong member of the St. Marys community, graduating from the local high school and working at the Big Z store where she made many friends. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who cherished her family.

Why it matters

Diane Nissel's passing marks the end of an era for the close-knit St. Marys community, as she was a fixture in the town for decades. Her life and legacy highlight the importance of community ties and family values in a small town setting.

The details

Diane Nissel was born on January 23, 1946 in St. Marys to Roman and Bertha Eckert Wendel. She married Thomas E. Nissel in 1965, and they were together for over 44 years until his passing in 2010. Diane worked at the local Big Z store for many years, where she made lasting friendships. In her free time, she enjoyed gardening, coloring, baking, and spending time with her family.

  • Diane Nissel passed away on February 11, 2026.
  • She was born on January 23, 1946.
  • Diane married Thomas E. Nissel on October 9, 1965.
  • Thomas E. Nissel passed away on January 14, 2010.

The players

Diane M. Nissel

An 80-year-old lifelong resident of St. Marys, Pennsylvania who passed away on February 11, 2026 following a brief illness.

Thomas E. Nissel

Diane Nissel's husband of over 44 years, who passed away in 2010.

Roman and Bertha Eckert Wendel

Diane Nissel's parents.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Diane Nissel's life and legacy exemplify the importance of community, family, and small-town values. Her passing is a significant loss for the close-knit St. Marys community that she was a part of for eight decades.