Obituary of Diana Lynn Rausa

Diana Lynn Hanson Rausa passed away peacefully at her home in Oswego, Illinois on August 14, 2024, surrounded by her family. Born on September 24, 1947 in Morris, Illinois, she was the youngest daughter of Luther and Donna (Cockream) Hanson. She grew up in Gibson City, Illinois, graduated from Northern Illinois University, and moved to Sterling, Illinois, a place she considered home for over 55 years.

She was a special education teacher at Franklin Elementary School before she had her two children, Monica and Brad, with her former husband, Frank Rausa. She then worked at Self Help Enterprises for the rest of her career, dedicated to providing development opportunities for persons with disabilities in the community.

The roles she cherished most were mother, grandmother, and friend. She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and the ability to make everyone feel included and loved.

Diana is survived by her daughter, Monica (Annapolis, MD) and grandson, Aljur; and son and daughter-in-law Brad and Mary Ann (Oswego, IL), and her granddaughter, Emiliana. She is preceded in death by her sister, Dinette (Dee) Hanson, and her mother and father.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the CGH Foundation, 100 E LeFevre Road
Sterling, IL 61081, in gratitude for the excellent care she received from the oncology team or to the Anne Arundel Community College Foundation to support the scholarship she helped establish in memory of her sister to assist students in the skilled trades, AACC Foundation, Henry “Hank” Libby Building, 101 College Parkway, Arnold, MD 21012 (please note IMO Diana Rausa in the memo line or enclose a note indicating this).

Visitation will be held at Schilling Funeral Home in Sterling, Illinois on Saturday, September 28 from 10–11 am followed by a service immediately after.