Classic City Tribute to Diane:
thanks, Rob!
Obituary:
Diane Klonowski peacefully passed away at her home in Athens, Georgia on March 1st 2022. Diane graduated from St. Hedwig’s High School and Goldey Beacom Business College in Wilmington, Delaware. She worked as a business administrator at Junior Achievement and the University of Delaware, in both the Mathematical Science and Medical Laboratory Science Departments. Diane was a resident of Newark, Delaware before retiring from the University of Delaware and moving to Athens, Georgia. In retirement, Diane delved into four main passions: quilting, gardening, petanque, and volunteering. She was a ribbon-winning quilter and a member of the Cotton Patch Quilters Guild. She was an avid gardener, earning her Native Plant Certification from the University of Georgia State Botanical Garden and subsequently transformed her home garden into a Certified Pollinator Habitat. She also volunteered at the Botanical Garden and never missed a local plant sale or opportunity to expand her garden with a trip to Grower’s Outlet. Diane was also a member of the Boulevard Garden Club. She loved playing petanque with the Classic City Petanque Club, through which she played in several international tournaments. Diane’s love of reading led her to Books for Keeps where she helped promote reading and literacy to children in Athens-Clarke County. She was a Key Volunteer for Books for Keeps, an organization that held a very special place in her heart. Diane was kind and generous, sharing her passions with others, from her participation in the Quilter’s Guild Charity Bee to spearheading the Little Free Library in her subdivision. She happily divided plants for friends and neighbors and hosted little Misses Evelyn and Tabitha in her garden for butterfly catching. She worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for her community.
Diane is preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Frances (Pajewski) Moderacki, stepfather Steven Sikorski, and daughters Francine and Lynda Marie. She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years Frank; her daughter Kim, and her partner Dean Firschein, whom she held in the highest esteem; nephew Ed McCarthy (Darlene); several cousins, especially Cindy Greenamoyer and Kathy Phillips, and many friends in Delaware and Georgia. Not to be forgotten are her “fur” boys, Colt and Buddy.
A special thanks to her best and most cherished friend Mary Williams and her friends at the Classic City Petanque Club for their compassion and support.
Relatives and friends are invited for visitation and services beginning at 9 am on March 12th at the Doherty Funeral Home; 3200 Limestone Rd, Wilmington, DE 19808. Burial will take place afterwards at All Saints Cemetery; 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19808. A celebration of her life is being planned in Athens with details forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, please honor Diane with a contribution to Books for Keeps, P.O. Box 49761, Athens, GA 30604.