Phyllis Diane Drdak

Phyllis “Diane” (Vath) Drdak passed peacefully at the age of 77 in her Minooka home on April 25, 2025, surrounded by the love of her children and her beloved dog, Truffle.

Diane was welcomed to the afterlife by her husband Paul, father Roland Reed, and siblings Dennis and Spencer Vath. She will live on in the memories of her family, including her mother, Kathleen Reed, siblings, Penny (Sam) Greco and Joel (Wanda) Vath, and her children, Lynette (Blair) Olexa, Paul Jr. (Lisa), Seneka, and Morgan Mason. Diane was a proud grandmother to Rhett (Rachel), Rachel (Ben), Evan (Katie), Fallon (Jake), Jose, Jazmine, Jocelyn (Anthony), Austin, and Allison, who will share her stories with great-grandchildren Blair, Solomon, Esther, Grace, Kai, Trey, Hobbs, Jonah, Grant, Marley, Laken, Julian, Samuel, and Anthony. Diane also had many nieces, nephews, and grand-dogs she adored.

Diane was a jack of all trades and master of most, having spent her working years in a number of fields including manufacturing, retail, and real estate. She was an incredibly talented person, whether she was cooking the best meat loaf in the state, sewing Halloween costumes for generations of family members, or caring for her beautiful garden. Perhaps her most impactful talent was her writing; although she never pursued it as a career, the stories and letters she crafted were incredibly meaningful. Anyone lucky enough to receive a card from Diane remembers the beautiful sentiments she added in her impeccable penmanship.

Usually a quiet and unassuming person, Diane never hesitated to raise her voice in support of the causes that mattered to her. Whether she was crafting a clever sign for a protest or writing a poignant letter to the editor, she advocated tirelessly throughout her life for the rights and well-being of people and animals.

Above all else, Diane believed in giving. She had incredible empathy and would jump at the chance to help her family, friends, or strangers in need. She loved to put her talents to use for the benefit of others, never expecting anything in return. Diane always put the needs of others above her own. She was a kind, thoughtful, and generous person, and she made an incredible impact on everyone who knew her.

As a private person, Diane’s final wishes included no services. Those wishing to honor her memory are encouraged to make a donation to Lightways Hospice or Planned Parenthood.