Diane Dormeyer

Diane Dormeyer passed away peacefully on the morning of June 3, 2026. She was a loving and dedicated daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, friend, and—her lifelong passion—caregiver.

Early Life and Education

Diane was born on April 7, 1947, at West Suburban Hospital in Oak Park, Illinois. She was the middle daughter of Henry and Dorothy Jeane (nee Rabe) Dormeyer. Growing up in Des Plaines, she attended Central and Thacker schools before graduating from Maine West High School with the Class of 1965. Her deep love for music and people began at an early age.

A Lifetime of Caregiving

Diane’s nursing career began at just 17 years old, working alongside her mother as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at Lutheran General Hospital. She went on to graduate from the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) School of Nursing.

Over a career spanning nearly 50 years, Diane served her community in countless ways before retiring at age 65. She began in hospitals, then moved to clinics providing healthcare access to underserved populations (APAC). She later transitioned to senior care, serving as a nursing home nurse and eventually becoming the Director of Nursing at Altenheim Nursing Home. Diane also practiced family medicine nursing alongside Dr. Locke and Dr. Uchitelle. She concluded her formal career at District 91 School District, serving as the Health Service Coordinator—affectionately known as the school nurse for the entire district.

Retirement did not stop her calling. Diane remained "everyone’s nurse" to the very end.

Family and Community

Diane loved people, and they loved her back fiercely. She possessed a rare energy and had a unique talent for listening deeply, offering honest, thoughtful, and beautifully simple advice that was usually spot-on. People frequently sought her guidance on medical matters and life alike.

Diane was blessed with three children, Leah, Dylan, and Ryan. She later shared 45 wonderful years of marriage with the absolute love of her life, Reza Ebadi, with whom she raised Ryan.

Survivors and Preceded in Death

Diane was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Dorothy Jeane Dormeyer; her eldest sister, Mary Callaghan; her niece, Meghan Callaghan; and her younger sister, Barbara Dormeyer.

She is survived by her adoring husband, Reza Ebadi; her children, Leah Callaghan, Dylan (Melissa) Callaghan, and Ryan (Katherine) Russ; her cherished grandchildren Brendan, Alexander, Maxwell, Ryder, Eleanor, Holden, and her nieces and nephews, Joshua (Davida) Callaghan, Sarah Moore, Molly (Jeff) Benning, and Benjamin Probst (Walt Congdon).

Celebration of Life

A celebration of Diane’s vibrant life will be held at a future date. At this time, her family is taking time to privately reflect on the massive, enduring impact she made on the world. They ask that everyone who knew Diane continue to honor her memory by sharing her bright spirit and energy with others.

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