Diane Kathryn Maguire
Diane Kathryn Maguire (61) of St. Louis, MO passed away peacefully on May 15th, 2024, surrounded by family. She was a loving mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She dedicated her life to serving others as a nurse and involved member in her community.
Diane was born in Chicago, IL on October 11, 1,962, and moved with her family in 1967 to St.
Louis, which she would call home until her passing. She enjoyed hiking and biking, which she did around the world. She loved spending time with family and friends; her two cats, coffee, dancing, music, and nature. Diane was a bright light to everyone in her life. She inspired others to demonstrate and strengthen their values through action.
Diane had an impactful career as a psychiatric nurse in the non-profit sector. In 1999, she began working at Community Alternatives, which would merge with Places for People in 2011, where she was a beloved friend and colleague to countless. At the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, Diane began working at BJC as a pediatric hospice nurse, where she cared and advocated for many children and their families.
Diane was preceded in death by her father, Edward Russell Maguire; and stepfather, James Robert O’Brien. She is survived by her mother, Marlene Ruth O’Brien (nee Hamre); her twin daughters, Olivia Grace Maguire, and Kaitlyn Rose Layden; and her brother, Mark Alexander Maguire (AnneMarie).
A celebration of life will take place at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion, 7401 Delmar Blvd., 63103, on Saturday, May 25th at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Diane’s memory be made to Gwendolyn’s Gifts, which provides support to children on hospice; Hilljack House, a halfway house whose board she served on; or a charity of your choice.
I am SO sorry. I was fortunate to work with Diane at Places for People. She was a wonderful colleague and a caring, excellent professional. Her passing is a terrible loss. 💙💐🌹.
My heart hurts. She was a good friend for over 25 years and exceptional person and nurse. I was so happy when she made the decision to join us at BJC Wings pediatric hospice. She made her mark quickly and was loved by many patients families during the most vulnerable time in their lives. She MADE a difference for so many people. I miss her as do to many to count. May she rest in peace.
My heart is broken but I am grateful for our friendship, her mentorship & her commitment to many!
I will see you again my friend! Xo
Oh my gosh. I am crushed to hear this news. I worked with Diane at Places for People for 5 years as well as knew her daughter Katie. Diane was always a bright spot everywhere she went!! She was so kind and sweet- but also a fierce advocate for her clients!! She was a mentor to many colleagues and friends… my heart is so heavy for her family and friends!!
I have been fortunate to have known Diane since her infancy and was able to be in touch with her at various stages of her life; childhood, teenhood, and at different times in her adulthood. She was a wonderful, humorous, intelligent and dedicated caring person in so many ways. She was extremely caring about her family. I will deeply miss her, her family will deeply miss her, the world will miss her.
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful mother, daughter, friend. I unfortunately only know a small fraction of the life Diane lived. My memories of Diane during our time at UMSL as sisters of Zeta Tau Alpha are warm ones filled with laughter, fun and good times with our friends. She was a good sport putting up with our silly sorority antics, attending dances, frat parties at the Pike House, and sleep overs with our sisters. We spent many times traveling together to and from school as I lived nearby in Richmond Heights. She was sweet, warm and had a good sense of humor. She was beautiful inside and out. May she rest in peace. One day we will meet again. I wish I could join you in celebrating her life. I love that she left her mark as only Diane could.
I knew Diane in college as a sorority sister, leader and friend. And yes, the dances, carpool conversations, study hours our group of sisters shared were special and unique.
The thing about Diane is that she had a presence about her that was wise, even spiritual. It’s hard to explain. She was part of everything that college women do but she had this presence that was as if she was outside looking in. There was an inner resolve that adhered to a more grounded identity. On the surface, she was one of “the girls”, enjoying the adventures of college life, but there was a serious side that was discerning and wise. She had a deep sense of self. Her eyes reflected a deep intensity.
And as I’m now learning about her vocation and the many people to whom she brought comfort and love, it all makes sense. She is a beautiful angel.
I am another person blessed to have know Diane’s easy laugh, soft presence, fierce dedication and true friendship. To her daughters, brother, mother and other family, my condolences. She was so dear.
Diane and I did not know one another well but I have fondly remembered over the years Kathy Kilker, Diane and myself chatting and volunteering there at Central.
Rest in Peace Diane. I join the Heavenly Choir now, as they welcome God’s newest Saint.