Diane Stephens

Diane Forst Stephens beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, died peacefully on March 18, 2025, at the age of 95. Diane was born in Chicago, Illinois on October 28, 1929, to John and Dorothy Forst. She grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, graduating from Whitefish Bay High School. A member of Kappa Alpha Theta, she received her undergraduate degree from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana where she met her husband of 72 years, Norval Stephens. They both graduated in 1951 and were lifelong supporters of the University.

They started their family in Arlington Heights and subsequently settled in Barrington, Illinois. While she and Norval travelled the world, she loved the family summer home in Ludington, Michigan and spending part of her year in Vero Beach, Florida. Diane was very committed to her community. In Barrington, she was a member of PEO and BACOA, where she was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999. She was a driver for Meals on Wheels and volunteered at the Pear Tree Café at Good Shepherd Hospital. She worked as a real estate agent for Baird & Warner. She was an avid reader and bridge player and in her younger days played tennis and paddle tennis. Diane was devoted to her family and always enjoyed playing card games with her grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents, husband and daughter, Sandra Jean Stephens. She is survived by her children: Jill Stephens (Peter Gloyne), John (Margot) Stephens, Katherine (Bob) Weidner, James (Tammy) Stephens.

Her grandchildren include Meg Gloyne; Emma Gloyne (Ollie Lubbock); Caroline Gloyne; Kate (Max) Pinto; Tim (Ellie) Stephens; Chris (Masha) Stephens; Lauren (Zach) Gaines; Rob (Cassidy) Weidner; Matt Weidner (Lindsey Mertens); Ty Stephens; Natalie (John) Reynolds; and Jack Stephens.

She is also survived by her great grandchildren: James and Grant Pinto; Blair Stephens; Alisa and Kira Stephens; Noah and Lily Gaines; and Tripp and Tate Reynolds.

A service of remembrance will be held at Barrington United Methodist Church, 98 Algonquin Road, Barrington, IL, on April 28, 2025 at 2 pm, with visitation at 1pm. Donations can be made in Diane’s name to Barrington Area Council On Aging (BACOA)  or JourneyCare Hospice.