With deep sorrow and love, we announce the passing of Diane Szymul, who departed this life peacefully on June 12, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. She passed away quietly at home with family and friends at her side.
Diane was born in Chicago, Illinois to Joe and Stephanie Szwed, younger sister to Tom (Maryelln) and Ken (Donna). She grew up on Mango Avenue in the Belmont-Craign neighborhood on Chicago's Northwest side, attending St. James Catholic School & Parish, and then Notre Dame High School for Girls.
She earned a degree in education from Northern Illinois University and went on to a successful 40+ year career as an elementary school teacher at Manheim District 83's Westdale School in Northlake, Illinois. While at Westdale, and mostly teaching the 6th grade, she positively touched the lives of countless children as a teacher who preached patience, empathy and - from time to time - tough love.
At Foster Avenue Beach in the summer of 1968, she met the love of her life, Jim Szymul, whom she married on December 18th, 1971, leading to - in her words - "54 glorious years" of marriage. Jim and Diane eventually settled together in Des Plaines, Illinois where they had their son, Doug (Stacy), in December of 1981.
Diane's love for her family & friends never waned as she took every opportunity to be around people she cherished. She loved taking an active part in situations that brought people together - whether that was sharing a glass of Clos du Bois Chardonnay at Northwestern Football tailgate, or finding the most central poolside spot at her beloved Lake Lawn Resort (nee: Lodge) - she absolutely loved spending time with the people she adored.
As a devoted grandmother to Hendrix and Damen, one of her absolute favorite things to do was watch them play sports. She was known for her enthusiastic cheering and funny color commentary. Diane's voice - which projected to every corner of the field of play - could be heard with exclamations like "SMOOSH 'EM, SMASH 'EM, GET 'EM" and other words that can't be printed here.
Diane's selflessness, positive energy and devotion to the people around her will be greatly missed but will be carried on by the people she touched. She will be missed every day by the people who loved her, but her spirit will live on forever. Let us raise a glass of Clois-du-Bois to Diane for the positive impact she's made on all of our lives.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 18, 2025 from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm at G.L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois. Funeral Mass to follow on Thursday, June 19th at 10:00 am at St. Stephen the Protomartyr Catholic Church, 1280 Prospect Ave., Des Plaines, Illinois. Funeral care provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Diane's name to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 www.donate.cancer.org