Deanna Nicole DelMonaco, 21, of East Haven, beloved wife of Grayson Pedro, passed away on Sept. 11 at her home. Deanna was born in New Haven on Jan. 9, 1996, daughter of Allan and Kimberly LaViola Shaul of East Haven.

She was the loving sister of Maddison Shaul of Boston and Harlie Shaul of New Haven; the maternal granddaughter of Louis and Marlene LaViola of Milford, and the late Judith LaViola; and the paternal granddaughter of Darlene Jarnagin of East Haven. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Deanna had a 9-year battle with Ewings sarcoma but never let it stop her from living life. She loved her family, friends, and her dog Jack. She had a passion for interior design and a love for traveling, but her happy place was Disney. She shared a special love with Grayson and let us all be a part of their fairy tale love story. Deanna showed us all how to be strong, courageous, and how to live life to the fullest. She has left an imprint on us all; she was our hero.

Relatives and friends are invited to go directly to Our Lady of Pompeii Church on Sept. 16 to celebrate A Mass of Christian burial at 9:00 a.m. Interment will be private. Friends may call Sept. 15 at the Porto Funeral Home, 234 Foxon Rd. (Rte. 80), East Haven, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, 565 Ashford Center Rd., Ashford, CT 06278. For an online obituary or to sign Deanna’s guest book, visit www.portofuneralhomes.net.