Diana Marie Dal Porto Ellis Bridges
October 19, 1943 – March 15, 2026

Diana passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family and friends on March 15, 2026, at the age of 82. She was proud of her Italian roots and her close-knit Dal Porto family, which remained central to her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Nelo and Lena; her brother, Michael (Joan); her husbands, Donald Ellis and Dale Bridges; and her faithful companion, her dog Gidget.

Diana’s greatest joy was her family. She is lovingly remembered by her sons, Todd Ellis and Donald Ellis (Joyce); her grandchildren, Hopper, Ryan, Tyler, Jocelynn and Melody; and her great-grandson, Colter.

Born in Arcata, Diana graduated from Arcata High School in 1961 and beauty school in 1962. She had a natural gift for connecting with people, which she shared through 35 years with Avon and nearly three decades welcoming guests at the Red Lion Restaurant. She was also a devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

She treasured her friendships, especially with her cousins Barbara and Sally Vannie, Karen Sacchi, and her dear friend of 54 years, Donna Hauser.

Diana found happiness in old movies, gardening, square dancing, cheering on her favorite teams: The San Francisco Giants and San Francisco 49ers, and spending summers at her family’s cabin in Willow Creek.

Her family extends heartfelt thanks to Shiloh and Amanda and her caregivers for their kindness and support.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. A private inurnment will be held at Ocean View Cemetery, with a memorial Mass at St. Mary’s to be announced.

###

The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Diana Bridges’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.