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Diana Marie Lizzadro Nicholas

Diana Nicholas Obituary

Diana Marie Lizzadro Nicholas, 73, died Wednesday, July 2, 2008. Diana was born to Joseph and Mary (Sandretto) Lizzadro on September 28, 1934 in Chicago, IL. Diana lived in Elmhurst, IL and summered near Gratiot Lake at Lizzadro Farm in Keweenaw County, MI most of her life. She attended Immaculate Conception Grade School and High School and graduated in 1952. Diana attended Northwestern University, Rosary College and University of Wisconsin - Madison where she met her husband George F. Nicholas. They married on October 6, 1956 and had six children, Gina, Joe, George, Frank, John and Andrea. After raising her family Diana completed her college education and graduated from Elmhurst College with a B.S. in Business in 1986. Diana was a patroness of the Arts. She worked for and served on the Board of the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art founded by her father Joseph Lizzadro. Diana was instrumental in the creation of and fundraising for the Elmhurst Art Museum and was an Honorary Board Member. She participated in Elmhurst Children's Theater, Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra, Pine Mountain Music Festival, College of DuPage Performing Arts Center and many other art and cultural organizations. The YWCA of DuPage County recognized Diana as the Outstanding Woman Leader for Arts and Culture in 1995. The City of Elmhurst proclaimed October 2, 2005 as Diana Nicholas Day. Many friends and relatives appreciated Diana's intelligence, talent, style and wit. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother and will be missed forever by her six children and eleven grandchildren. Surviving are her children: Gina (Rex Wilson) Nicholas, Joe Nicholas, George (Lynlee) Nicholas, Frank (Pearl) Nicholas, John (Sonja) Nicholas and Andrea (Greg Martz) Nicholas and grandchildren: Nicholas Wilson, George Nicholas, Frank, Julia, Eric, Anthony and Amanda Nicholas, John, Alexandra and Michael Nicholas and Isabella Villano. Also surviving are Diana's sisters Angela (Chuck) Anderson and Bonnie (Jim) Hay and brothers Joe (Carol) Lizzadro and John (Reva) Lizzadro and Aunts Teresa Barber, Ann Locatelli and Katherine Brunner and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Diana was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Mary Lizzadro and her sister Terese Lizzadro. Memorial Visitation will be held at Ahlgrim Funeral Home, 567 S. Spring Rd., Elmhurst, from 2:00 to 9:00 PM on Sunday, July 6. Memorial Mass at Immaculate Conception Church, 134 Arthur, Elmhurst, at 11:00 AM, Monday, July 7. Interment Private. Friends and family are invited to attend a luncheon immediately following at The Drake Oak Brook. In accordance with her wishes, Diana's family suggests donations in her memory be made to Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, Elmhurst Art Museum and Gratiot Lake Conservancy. Info 630-834-3515 or www.ahlgrim.com
Published by East DuPage Press/Spectator/Argus on Jul. 2, 2008.

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6 Entries

Barbara (Ganzel) Paulus

May 17, 2024

I met Diana twice and respected her love of the Arts. I am delighted she was honored with her named day. The nucleus of those in Elmhurst who faithfully expanded our City physically and culturally will attract many people. I am proud to have known her but saddened it was at a transitional time in my life or we might have worked together. I believe she appeared in the Elmhurst Children´s Theater´s production of Ahmad and the Night Visitor´s with another great contributor to our City-Jack Hirst of Four Seasons Beauty Salon. I know it has been awhile since she passed. but my friendship with John and Reva and Carol (whom I acted in several Hospital Follies) prompted me to recall all with such affection.

Geri Malek (nee Zeri)

July 9, 2008

I have known Diana ever since she was Diane in high school. We were friends since freshman year and she attended my wedding in 1954. It was a shock to hear of her death. The last time I saw her was in 2002 at our 50th high school class reunion from IC. We had spoken a couple of times in the years hence. God bless her and I know she is safely home with Him.

Steve and Cindy Adkisson

July 6, 2008

Her large and loving family are a testimony to what a special, giving woman she was. Her efforts for promoting art and music will continue to thrive. Our thoughts are with you today and in the days ahead. Steve and Cindy Adkisson, Kristin, Kyle, Tron, Roxy and Rae

Brigitte Winkler

July 5, 2008

Diana and I have had many long and unique conversations that I will always remember. In the last 2 years we've gotten to know each other fairly well. She was an inspiration; her strength, determination, confidence and challenge to life will be unforgettable.

She was very proud of her children and grandchildren and recognized the unique qualities of each one. I will miss her and our talks, and sharing our grandchildren with funny stories and keen observations. She desired the best for everyone as she understood it to be.

May she Rest In Peace.

Cynthia Avers

July 3, 2008

I have many fond memories of Diana-She was one of my mother's dearest friends and a truly amazing woman. My deepest sympathy to her entire family. (I have some photos of Diana though the years if anyone would like). Cindy (Kahn) Avers

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Elmhurst Community Funeral Home - The Ahlgrim Chapel

567 South Spring Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126

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