Diana L.C. Hancock

Diana Louise Colatriano Hancock, 76, of Wilmington, Delaware, died at home comforted by family and loved ones on October 30, 2024.

A graduate of A.I. DuPont High School in 1966, she went on to receive an art degree from the University of Delaware four years later. Soon after, she discovered her love of flying by becoming a flight attendant for Capitol Airlines and moving to Nashville, TN. After Capitol went out of business, she joined American Airlines in ’86, officially retiring in 2018. She spoke fondly of her years traveling the world and the friendships forged in the air–even of the two hijacking attempts to Cuba whereupon she oversaw the passengers’ safety. In 1987, she met the love of her life, Terrence Hancock (now deceased), and they were married in May the next year. Every month they would take a long weekend getaway in search of the perfect tropical island. In her downtime she moonlighted as a pet detective rescuing people’s lost cats. “Cats sleep during the day,” she’d say, “you can’t find them anywhere.” She always refused payment.

Diana is survived by her loving mother, Louise Colatriano of Wilmington, Delaware, her cat Maddy, her three stepchildren, Jeffrey Evans of Laurel, Delaware, Melissa Chambers of Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania, Tim Jr. of Portland, Oregon, and her many grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her father, Frank Colatriano, and her husband, Terrence Hancock.

Diana was fond of vintage automobiles and persistent in the upkeep of her ’69 Corvette convertible. She was always willing to lend a hand and was known for late night phone conversations with her girlfriends.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to her friend and trusted mechanic, John Lardear of the Car Clinic, for his dedication to her in her last difficult years.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the no-kill animal shelter, Faithful Friends, 165 Airport Rd, New Castle, DE 19720.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 9:30am at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE, 19807. The service will begin at 10:30 with interment to follow at Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N Dupont Hwy, New Castle, DE 19720.