Obituary of Dianne Jean Mendez
Dianne Jean Mendez, age 75, of Joliet, passed away unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, January 9, 2024.
Born July 8, 1948, in Milwaukee, WI, she was the daughter of Philip Chester and Leone Irene (Kunde) Figiel, and was a graduate of Angel Guardian School, Chicago, where she played volleyball and softball.
Dianne enjoyed a long career in the hospitality industry, retiring as manager of IHOP, where she was beloved by her coworkers and friends, most of who lovingly knew her as “Red.”
She was hard-working and never asked anything of anyone that she would not do herself. She even drove a semi as a partner driver during her working career.
Dianne was a woman of spirituality and faith who loved gardening, flowers, plants and vegetables…all grown with love from her magical green thumb. She was also an amazing cook who could make anything from scratch and loved sharing her delicious and adventurous meals and desserts. She appreciated a quality cup of coffee and loved a cup with coffee cakes.
Dianne loved all animals, but Dougal was her most special companion. With the help of her family, she took in many a stray in addition to feeding all the neighborhood critters that seemed to love to visit her as much as she did them.
A Die-Hard Cubs fan, she loved all sports and faithfully watched the Chicago Bears win or lose. She also loved NASCAR, Jeopardy, DIY shows, playing solitaire and reading. She donated generously to nature causes, indigenous children, and animals. She also was a skydiver with 248 jumps.
She was above all a loving and caring mother, grandmother, and “GiGi” who will be remembered for sending her special cards filled with stickers, goodies or money for every occasion.
Surviving are her five children, Matthew (LeAnn) Strama, Philip (Valerie Walsh) Strama, Jennifer (Jeff) Bell. Christine Strama and Shannon Figiel; her six grandchildren, Matthew (Elizabeth) Strama, III, Joshua (Caiti) Strama, Lyndsey (Ryan) Blazek, Zachary (Darcy) Bell, Michael Hardin and Wyatt (John) Hacker; five great-grandchildren, Jayce, Theodore, Logan, LillyAnn and Rollynd; and her beloved canine companion, Dougal.
She was preceded in death by one son, Michael Strama; one granddaughter, Chelsie Strama; and her parents.
Visitation for Dianne Mendez will be held Sunday, January 14, 2024, from 1:00 p.m., until the time of a Memorial Service at 4:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames MORRIS Chapel, 1201 W. Route 6 at Deerpath Drive, Morris, IL. Cremation rites have been accorded and interment will be private.
For more information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you may share a memory or leave an online condolence.
