Diana Nadine Ferguson, 81, of Pekin, passed away at 6:30 a.m. Thursday, January 16, 2025 at Hallmark Healthcare of Pekin.
Born Aug. 8, 1943 in Chicago to Albert and Lora (Archibald) Howell, she married her first love, Thomas L. Ferguson in 1963. He was a loving husband and father to their three children. She was later in a long-term relationship with Stephen J. Quinlan whose entire family embraced Diana and her children and surrounded them with love. Although they later went their separate ways, they remained the closest of friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her son Daniel Ferguson; her sister, Linda Grizzle; her brother, Dennis A. Howell; and one nephew, James E. Nichols Jr.
Surviving are three daughters, Dina Pettit of Pekin, Illinois, Elizabeth Ferguson of San Francisco, California, Megan Quinlan of San Francisco, California; one beloved honorary daughter, Kyra Seymour; one granddaughter, Julianna Svabenik; one nephew, Stephen W. Oliver; one grandniece, Jennifer E. Nichols, and one great grandniece, Lucy.
Diana worked as a registered nurse from 1990 to 2018. Her last 10 years were spent with The American Red Cross in the San Francisco Bay area of California, as a teacher of CNA classes. She was a dedicated teacher who loved her students and was passionate about helping them achieve success.
An avid gardener with the biggest roses in the neighborhood, she created an outdoor paradise which was enjoyed by all. She took care of every living thing in her life. Every child, dog, cat, bird, and adult in need were welcomed into her home and into her life. Her baked goods were the stuff of legends and her family will spend countless hours reminiscing about and attempting to replicate her incredible cooking. She was a reader of everything from the classics to Science Fiction and had an infectious love for knowledge. Her sense of humor, quick wit, and touch of sass would always bring smiles and laughter. She was beautiful inside and out and will be greatly missed.
A private celebration of life will be planned at a later date. Cremation has been accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to www.lulapeoria.com an organization that provides support and peer advocacy for unsheltered people in Peoria, Illinois.
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