Diane Demory LaDuke

Diane Demory LaDuke

Iowa City

In the early morning hours of July 25, 2023, Diane uncharacteristically, quietly left us.

A celebration of life is planned for later this fall. Memorials may be made to the Melanoma Research Foundation and online condolences may be shared at www.lensingfuneral.com.

Diane was born in Iowa City to Jud and Wanda Demory. She graduated from City High School in 1960 and married Ray LaDuke that same year. Later in life she received a degree in Occupational Therapy from Kirkwood. After moving to Champaign, Ill., she enrolled at Eastern University and received her B.A.

After retirement, Diane came back to Iowa City to be close to her family and friends. She eventually purchased a Goosetown bungalow close to her childhood home and made it uniquely her own.

Diane was a passionate supporter of women’s rights, a voice for the unheard and an advocate for people in need as well as a true friend to this good earth. She was a fun-loving woman with a wicked sense of humor. Her inquisitive, creative mind led her to “writing your life story” class at the Senior Center where she eventually taught the class. Her life experiences became her short stories; some of which were published in Little Village, Sun Magazine and read on Iowa Public Radio.

Diane is survived by her children, Denise LaDuke Lazarus (David), Derek LaDuke (Joanne), and Danielle Ruth (Allan); grandchildren, Madeline, Hunter, Olivia, Grant and Paul; brother, Dan Demory (Joan); sister, Judy Rossi (Ron); friend, David Luck; and her beloved dog, Oscar Wilde. She was preceded in death by her parents.

The world was her stage and now the curtain has closed.