Diana Papp

Diana E. Papp, age 75, of Peotone, passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at Loyola Medical Center in Maywood, IL, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on July 24, 1944 in Chicago, the daughter of John and Mildred (Solaya) Smith.  She married Thomas F. Papp on November 1, 1960 in Chicago.  He preceded her in death on July 20, 2015. Diana was first and foremost a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and Nana. She owned and operated Diana Kay’s Clothing Store in Peotone.  She also worked at Bennett Industries in Peotone and served as their Union President.  Upon leaving Bennett Industries; along with caring for her own children and grandchildren; Diana also cared for multiple other children in the community.  One of the most important roles in her life was caring for her chronically ill “favorite” daughter, Carey.  She loved to cook, bake, and make blankets for all of her loved ones.  She especially enjoyed the holidays and making them very special for her family.  Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughters; Tammy (Steve) Hoffman of Peotone, Kimberly Molik of Manteno, Penny Papp of Peotone, and Christy Papp of Lockport; a son-in-law, William Gregory Meyer of Manteno; her grandchildren, Jill (Justin) Schroeder, Jami (Dave) Cyrier, Mandi (John) Byrne, Lauren (Craig) Nelson, Kara Molik, Kali (Ryan) Lancaster, and Tommy Meyer;  her great-grandchildren, Kobe Baumgartner, Madison Schroeder, Mallory Schroeder, Liam Cyrier, Emmett Byrne, Dylan Byrne, and 2 great-grandchildren on the way; three sisters, Joan Dunham of California, Michele (David) Wise of Florida, and Millie Heinz of Oklahoma; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and her daughter, Carey L. Meyer who passed away on February 5, 2019.

Cremation rites have been accorded.  A memorial visitation will be held at the Fedde-Helfrich-Cross Funeral Home on Friday, January 10 from 2:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.  A memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Deacon Jim Kelly officiating.  Memorials may be directed to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (J.D.R.F.) in her memory.