Obituaries

Diane Martensen Ippolito

1/17/1960 - 8/8/2025

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Obituary For Diane Martensen Ippolito

Diane Martensen Ippolito, 65, of Lewisburg, PA, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on August 8, 2025. She was born January 17, 1960, in Pasadena, Maryland, the daughter of the late Norman and Virginia Varney Martensen.

She graduated from Hood College in Frederick, MD.

Diane is survived by her devoted husband of 40 years, Stephen P. Ippolito, Sr. They were married on October 13, 1984.

She was the Pennsylvania State Coordinator of Moms in Prayer International.

She was a member of the Redeemer Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Danville, PA where she was active in serving in Sunday School and Women’s Bible Studies.

For the past 10 years, Diane directed the Science Camp at the Machen Retreat and Conference Center near Staunton, VA. She loved cooking, baking and flower gardening. One of her greatest joys was her Therapy Dog, Hope, who she enjoyed taking to the hospital to give delight to the patients there.

She will be remembered for her immense love for God and for people as well as having the knack of making everything better.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by two sons: Stephen P. Ippolito, Jr. and his wife Janeen of Danville, PA and Matthew M. Ippolito and one daughter, Kristen J. Ippolito of Amsterdam, Netherlands. Also surviving are two sisters, Beverly Lipp and her husband Roger of Maryland and Nancy Lester of Colorado as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one sister, Gail Martensen.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Diane’s Life to be held, Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Redeemer OPC 1820 Montour Boulevard, Danville, PA with Pastor Joshua McKamy. Friends will be received from 9:00 AM until 10:45 AM. Burial will be private.

The family will provide flowers. Memorial Contributions may be made to Moms in Prayer International PO Box 460008 Escondido, CA 92046 or online at https://momsinprayer.org/give/.

Arrangements are under the direction of Visneski Funeral Home, Inc. 42 W. Mahoning Street, Danville, PA 17821. www.visneski.com

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Condolences

  • 08/12/2025

    Marcia Clauson

    So thankful for all Diane has done, a modern day Dorcus! She was a wonderful organizer for science camp and I am sure for the prayer group as well. My sympathies to you all 💔

  • 08/11/2025

    Debbie Smith

    Diane was an encourager. Her quiet demeanor and caring heart will certainly be missed. Her prayers were so powerful that you felt ushered into the very presence of God. I know that at times the veil between heaven and earth can feel thin. May her family feel her closeness and the comfort of our Loving Savior during this time. Debbie Smith (Missouri Moms in Prayer)

  • 08/10/2025

    Beth Hoppes

    About 10 years ago, Diane, then a faithful member of New Life Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Williamsport, PA, began our young moms' Friday morning Bible Studies. Her legacy of Bible study and fervent prayer carries on, but she will be greatly missed.

  • 08/10/2025

    Rick Taylor

    Diane encouraged me to teach at a science camp at Machen Retreat Center, where she was always on the move giving the campers and staff every opportunity to have a wonderful and spiritually nurishing time. She had sooo much energy, spending it all for the Lord Jesus.

  • 08/10/2025

    Rose Robinson

    I would consider Diane Ippolito to have been an influential mentor in my spiritual journey, I grew so much during my time as a camper at Machen Science Camp, and even more as I was blessed with the opportunity to serve alongside her on staff there. I am deeply grieved by the loss of her presence in this life but I know the service she offered to joyfully on earth is only perfected as she is now in the glorious presence of our shared Lord and Saviour. I can't count the number if times I've said "no one person can ever fill her shoes" over the past few weeks. I am continually amazed by everything she poured her life into, everyone she blessed and encouraged. What an amazing testimony! I send so much love and prayers to her grieving family.

  • 08/10/2025

    Jayme Kirk

    I just had the pleasure of meeting Diane at the Moms in Prayer 40th Celebration in May. What a joy it was to meet her! May God's comfort and peace cover you, family, and His strength hold you up in the days to come. Jayme Kirk NC State Coordinator, Moms in Prayer

  • 08/10/2025

    Susan Wapensky

    God bless Diane. I did not know her personally but she gifted my son Jimmy with 2 scholarships to Machen Camp. He grew spiritually and we are forever thankful for her kind and giving heart. I know that she is serving God in a special way in heaven. Our deepest condolences to her beloved family, especially Steve who has carried on her ministries and servanthood.

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