Diane Greene Obituary

Greene, Diane M. Diane was born on May 14, 1953 in Chicago, IL and grew up in Orland Park, IL. After graduating from high school, she attended junior college and decided on a career in restaurant management. In the early 1980's, Diane went to work for a major restaurant chain which eventually lead her to Austin, TX where she was in charge of new restaurant openings. She returned to Orland Park in 1986 where she remained in a restaurant management position. In 1989, Diane suffered severe brain trauma, and her strength and courage over the past 20 years when faced with insurmountable challenges was nothing short of remarkable. A loving and devoted daughter, sister, auntie, niece and friend, she will be missed far more than words could ever describe. What a privilege to have had her in our lives. Prior to her brain injury, Diane was hardworking and dedicated and gave everything she had to the task at hand. She was respectable and fair and went out of her way to help those in need. Diane was intelligent, kind and fun loving, always having the most fun parties and get-togethers with those that meant so much to her. Diane traveled extensively and met many interesting people along the way. Many of those friendships lasted her lifetime. Diane loved the outdoors, sunbathing and any reason for a barbeque. She water skied, parasailed and danced. She played softball and bowled. She loved sports, especially the Chicago Bears and was a diehard Cub fan. Her favorite day was sitting in the left field bleachers at Wrigley Field and drinking an ice cold beer, then going to Harry Carey's for a night cap. Diane loved music, especially Elvis, Bon Jovi (backstage passes) Chicago, the Beach Boys and she even stood in line all night to get tickets to see Barry Manilow (sorry Di) at the Chicago Stadium. In 1996, Diane, along with her mother, father and sisters, moved to Scottsdale, Arizona. The family dedicated themselves to caring for Diane and all of her needs. In 2006, Diane developed a severe infection and never fully recovered. Our beautiful Diane passed away at home on May 3, 2009 with her family by her side. Diane is preceded in death by her father Glenn Greene, and is survived by her mother Loretta Greene of Scottsdale, AZ, sisters Susan Greene Anderson (Capt Don) of Fountain Hills, AZ and Carol Walker (David) of Scottsdale, AZ, brother Glenn Greene of Grays Lake, IL, nephew Stephen Dickens of Beacon, NY, nieces Alicia and Sarah Walker, her Aunt Josephine Honeman of Des Plaines, IL, and many other aunts, uncles and cousins. Diane also leaves behind many kind and caring friends. Please do not be sad. Diane's life may be over, but her memory and the memories we made with her will live on in our hearts forever. A memorial celebration will take place on Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 11:45 a.m. at the performance pad, on the north end of Fountain Park, Fountain Hills, Arizona. Questions can be directed to Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary 480-837-5588. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of the following charities: Hospice of Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014; Autism Speaks, 5455 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 2250, Los Angeles, CA 90036; or the American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.