Diane Stark

Diane V. Stark (nee Smietana), 66.

A piece is missing.
Our Diane filled our lives with joy, laughter, intensity and a dedication to the loves of her life - both big and small.
A loving wife to her Pat, she so enjoyed the life they built together over their 30 years of marriage.
She surrounded herself with family, friends and, of course, her little puppies.
Diane happily devoted the time and care to raise them as certified therapy dogs and, for 15 years, they comforted others.
Diane impacted untold numbers of children as the ESL teacher at Chicago Futabakai Japanese School for 39 years where she said she learned as much from the students as they did from her.
Diane was exceptionally gifted at knitting and needlework, quieter examples of her patience and determination to excel.
She doted on her sister Sharon (Tom) Deegan and her brother Bob (Patti) Smietana as well as her nephew and nieces - Frank (Cari) and Carli, Michelle (Stephanie), Kristin (Zack), Amy (Troy) and Katie (Chris).
Diane expanded her love of family as stepmother to Patrick, Jr. (Robyn), Amber (Greg) and Tara (Rob) and as Grandma Diane to their children.
The next generation will know her through the stories we will tell.
A lifetime of love but much too short. We wish we had more time.

Visitation will be held Friday, September 13, 2019, from 3:00pm to 9:00pm at Sax-Teidemann Funeral Home & Crematorium, 9568 Belmont Avenue, Franklin Park, Illinois, 60131.
Funeral Mass will take place Saturday, September 14, 2019, 10:00am, at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 3929 Wehrman Avenue, Schiller Park, Illinois, 60176.