Diane Lynne Friend's Obituary
Diane Lynne Friend, 75, of Decatur, Illinois, passed away January 23, 2026.
Diane was born in Chicago on June 23, 1950, the daughter of Earl and Audra (Coburn) Dennis. She married Frank Friend, Jr., on April 12, 1968, in St. Charles, Missouri.
Following her graduation from Stephen Decatur High School, Diane earned her associate's degree in early childhood development from Richland Community College. She went on to work for more than 20 years for the Decatur Day Care Center, retiring as Executive Director. During the course of her career, she was a member of several organizations dedicated to education, including: National Association of the Education of Young Children, Decatur Community Foundation Education Coalition – Kindergarten Readiness, Early Childhood Education Advisory for Decatur Area Technical Academy, Child Care Resource Service Community Advisory Member, and Richland Community College Early Childhood Education Program Advisory Committee. She was held in high esteem by her colleagues and the wider community, as evidenced by the honors granted to her: Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Fraternity of the Community College and Award of Excellence for Community Partnership from Decatur Public Schools – District 61.
In her free time, Diane enjoyed gardening, dancing, and traveling, especially to Texas for the winter months. She was a faithful member of New Day Community Church. She enjoyed spending time with her special neighbors on Pine Meadow Court. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she dearly loved.
Diane is survived by her husband Frank; children Frank Coburn (Amy) Friend of Heyworth, IL, and Shelli Lynn Perry of Mt. Zion, IL; grandchildren McKenzie, McKaela, Gracie, and Lynnsey; great-grandchildren Alexander, Aidan, and CaLya; always-friend Sandy Davenport; special sister Vicki Ryals; and beloved dog Rylee. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home is providing cremation services for Diane. Services will be held on Friday, February 6, at New Day Community Church in Decatur. Visitation will be from 10am to 11am, with a memorial service following at 11am. Memorials may be directed to New Day Community Church. Condolences may be shared with the family at https://www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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