Sultana Diamanty

Sultana Diamanty nee Kirifides (Sue, Suzie), a beacon of love and warmth, passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 6 at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, family, and tradition. Born in Chester, PA in 1931 (daughter of Michael and Maria Kirifides), she brightened every room she entered with her sweet spirit and loving nature, touching the lives of everyone who knew her.

She met the love of her life, Tom, at a Greek dance, and together they shared 62 wonderful years of marriage. Their bond was a testament to enduring love and partnership with their home always open to family and friends. One of the family’s favorite memories was when she hosted Tom’s Name Day Party annually, where over 80 guests filled their home and cars lined up and down Naamans Road. It was a joyful celebration highlighted by her world-class spanakopita, tiropita, pastitsio, and baklava dishes she made with love and care showing her deep affection for those around her through her cooking.

Her passion for food was matched by her devotion to family, and nothing brought her more joy than gathering loved ones around the table and feeding them.

She was a scholar and graduated from Landsdowne High School in 1949 and Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Sciences in 1953.  Her career included Chief Pharmacist at University of Pennsylvania Hospital, and finishing as Director of Pharmacy at Riverside Hospital in Wilmington, where she dedicated her talents until retiring to focus on her greatest joy — her grandchildren, who arrived and brightened her life even further.

An adventurous soul, she loved traveling and enjoyed a bit of blackjack and slots.  She and Tom used to go to Bally’s casino in Atlantic City regularly.  She enjoyed traveling to Greece and other European countries. She was a member of and loved attending Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, and also belonged to the Philoptochos Society.  She is preceded in death by her beloved son, John and sister, Alex Costalas. She is survived by her beloved husband, Tom; her brother Larry Kirifides (Helen); her son, Michael (Lori); and her grandchildren, Thomas Luke (Haylie-fiancé), Christian (Anah); daugher-in-law Kathy; grandchildren Thomas John, Peter; and numerous nephews and nieces. Though they will miss her precious spirit, they will forever carry the warmth of her love in their hearts. Sue’s example inspires us to live with greater kindness, serving others, and smiling more.

A celebration of Sue Diamanty’s life will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Cancer Society at cancer.org as she was a courageous cancer survivor.  Though we mourn the loss of our beloved Sue, we are comforted by the knowledge that she lived a life of purpose, selflessness, kindness, and love, and has been reunited with her Savior, Jesus Christ.