In Loving Memory of

Diane Marie Lindzy

“Lady Di”

September 23, 1946 – August 1, 2017

Diane was born in Greenfield, Ohio to the late Herschel Ivan Riley and Mary Elizabeth (Pennie) Riley. She entered into rest in St. Louis, Missouri with her husband and family at her side on August 1, 2017.

As a child, she resided with her family in various towns in Illinois and Indiana, finally settling in South Bend. She was the proud oldest sister to Pat and Becky, who she looked after throughout their childhood. Diane graduated from John Adams High School (South Bend) in 1964 and then from Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in 1967.

After marrying Tom Lindzy-the love of her life, on November 25, 1967, she relocated with him to Rantoul, Illinois where she became a devoted military wife; a loving mother to their two sons, Mark and Michael; godmother to several nieces, nephews and neighbors; and a respected nurse in her community.

Diane was head-over-heels for her grandchildren: Molly and Alan, Megan and Hannah. She talked about them frequently and with great pride and joy. She loved supporting them in academics, sports activities and hobbies. She enjoyed going to their games and ceremonies, and was their best cheerleader!

In Illinois, she first worked at the hospital in Paxton, then the clinic in Rantoul (which later became Christie Clinic). Shortly after she relocated with Tom to St. Louis (in June of 1995), she continued her career as an RN working in various skilled nursing facilites, home-health, and finally for hospice.

Diane was a member of St. Malachy Catholic Church, Rantoul, Illinois. She and Tom also attended St. Martin’s in Hazelwood, Missouri. She supported many charities including Paralyzed Veterans, Native American Children’s, Catholic Charities, St. Jude’s, Habitat for Humanity, ASPCA, the American Heart Association and Hospice groups. She was also a major blood donor throughout her life, receiving several awards for the volume of her contributions.

Diane had a big smile and a bigger heart. She was a compassionate caregiver. She was tenderhearted and a wonderful listener. She was giving. She was quite thoughtful and sent cards often-never missing a birthday or anniversary. She loved music. Tom and Diane’s favorite song was “Moon River.” She also enjyed 60’s pop, 70’s disco, Neil Diamond and 80’s country. She was a huge Notre Dame and Cardinals baseball fan. In Rantoul, she enjoyed being part of the bowling league.

Diane was smart. She was well read and liked to engage others in lively conversation. She even took college courses with friends for fun. She “never met a stranger” and made it a point to talk to everyone. She was also funny and had a great sense of humor.

Diane was a nature lover. She always had bird feeders and flowers on her deck. she even fed the squirrels trying to eat the bird food. She had a green thumb and loved to cultivate new life through seeds, sprouts, shoots and twigs. She always maintained a small garden.

Diane was also talented, artistic and creative. She did wonderful cross-stitch, crochet and knitting. She wrote beautifully in calligraphy, and more recently she enjoyed adult coloring books.

Most of all she will be remembered as a classy lady who loved her family beyond compare. She and Tom created beautiful homes for their family using their combined talents. Prior to her passing, Diane had been looking forward to celebrating her 50th Wedding Anniversary party. Although she didn’t quite make it, she still was able to share a glorious 49 years, 7 months and 1 week with her best friend and true love.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents; Herschel Ivan Riley and Mary Elizabeth (Pennie) Riley. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her beloved husband, Tom Lindzy of Hazelwood, Missouri; sisters, Patricia O’Connor (Steve Snyder) of Syracuse, Indiana and Becky (Todd) Zaseck of Granger, Indiana; her two adoring sons, Mark (Jennifer) Lindzy of Nashville, Tennessee and Michael (Terri) Lindzy of St. Louis, Missouri; her wonderful grandchildren, Molly Lindzy, Alan Lindzy, Megan Lindzy and Hannah Lindzy; and well as her dear in-laws, nieces, nephews, godchildren and countless friends.

Diane will be remembered as a loving wife, sister, mother, Grandma, daughter, daughter-in-law, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, good friend and nurse. May she rest in peace.

Per her modest wishes, she will be laid to rest after a small ceremony including her closest relatives at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri.

In remembrance of her love for Irish traditions, we share the following prayer:

An Irish Blessing

May the road rise up to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back,

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

And the rains fall soft upon your fields,

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.