Diana Walker

WILMINGTON— Diana Lee (nee Harris) Walker, 77, of Wilmington, formerly of Aurora, IL passed away peacefully Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021, with her family by her side in Wilmington. Born April 15, 1944, in Decatur, IL to John Werner and Marilyn Grace (nee Rennie) Harris.
She graduated with the class of 1962 from West Aurora High School. She was an Illinois State Scholar recipient and also earned her bachelor's degree from Aurora University. Diana thoroughly enjoyed her work life, retiring from Caterpillar Tractor Manufacturing, Inc., Aurora Plant after thirty years of employment. She worked specifically within the WLED Special Escort Service, which facilitated the trading and selling of heavy off-road construction equipment. She was the first woman to graduate from the Tool and Die program which was created by her father, John and was a proud member of the Caterpillar Women's Club.
Former member of the Streams of Hope United Methodist Church in Braidwood. Diana was dedicated to her career, enjoyed spending time with her family, and whenever she had a spare moment she thoroughly enjoyed reading.
Surviving are her husband of forty-five years, Donald E. Walker, who she married Dec. 18, 1976, in Aurora; daughter, Colleen (Michael) McKay, Ed.D. of Wilmington; step-daughter, Cynthia (Richard) Dietzel of Sycamore, IL; grandson, Edgely; two step-grandchildren, Matthew and Joseph; sister, Vicki (Jack) Flammang of Harrisburg, IL; two brothers, John (Karen) Harris, II of Mascoutah, IL and Bruce (Linda) Harris of Parker, CO; numerous nieces, nephews, and their families; and two special caregivers, Stephanie Heelan-Fisher and Kelsey Gray.
Preceding her in death were her parents; and step-son and daughter-in-law, Douglas and Maria Walker.
Visitation for Diana will be at the R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory, Braidwood, Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021, from 4:00 p.m. until time of the funeral service beginning at 7:00 p.m. Family and friends will meet at the funeral home Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at 8:45 a.m. to go in procession to the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her name may be directed to the American Diabetes Association: https://diabetes.org/ would be appreciated. For more information and to visit her online guestbook, please log on to www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com or find them on Facebook. R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory 401 E. Main St., Braidwood is in charge of arrangements.