Creator Spotlight August 2015 - Diana Pishner Walker
Diana Pishner Walker was born in Clarksburg, WV and is the daughter of the late Louis and Anna Allessio Pishner. She attended Notre Dame High School in Clarksburg, WV and graduated in 1977. She attended Fairmont State College, Fairmont WV and is employed by the Marion County Board of Education as a “Fast ForWord” computer aide at East Dale Elementary School.
Diana resides in Fairmont, WV with her husband Mark and their three children Curt, Courtney, Chris and his wife Ashley. They have two grandsons Ashton Louis and Austin Maddox.
Diana’s Italian roots run deep. Her maternal grandparents were from San Giovani in Fiore, Province of Cosenza, Italy. Her paternal grandparents were from Caulonia, Reggio Calabria Italy.
In writing Spaghetti and Meatballs: Growing up Italian I took myself back to my childhood days. I recently lost my parents and other family members. I guess you could say I have reached a nostalgic age, and I wanted to share with young people of Italian/ American descent what it was like in my day, also what it was like for my parents and grandparents, even great grandpa. They had many hardships we take for granted today and I think it's good for the young and young at heart to remember where they came from and appreciate their blessings. We truly are a melting pot! I would love to see this children's book shared with children but adults as well -- to bring back heartfelt memories of an Italian childhood or any nationality.What it comes down to is Family:)
- Diana Pishner Walker, author of Spaghetti & Meatballs: Growing Up Italian
You can find Diana's book, Growing Up Italian, in our library.
