Diane Marie Sipiera

Diane Marie Sipiera lived a beautiful and deeply meaningful life—one defined by learning, love, and a lifelong sense of wonder for the world around her. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, educator, and community leader whose passion for science, nature, and family touched countless lives. 

Diane was born on December 20, 1955, in Joliet, Illinois, the daughter of John and Rosemary (Wruk) Vidmar. Much of her upbringing was shaped by her beloved grandmother, Mary Vidmar, an immigrant from Croatia, and her Uncle Bill Vidmar who played a pivotal role in Diane’s early life. Diane inherited a deep appreciation for nature, a curiosity about the stars, a “grit” to how she approached life, and a belief in lifelong learning—values that would guide her throughout her life. 

She attended high school in Lockport and Joliet, where she enjoyed playing tennis and entertaining her friends. Diane continued her education at Joliet Junior College, earning the title of Will County doubles tennis champions two years in a row. She would graduate Summa Cum Laude from the University of Saint Francis and later, at National University in Lombard, she earned her master’s degree. Her passion for science and space led her west to Colorado, where it would become a significant chapter in her early adulthood. She earned a second master’s degree in aerospace education and began presenting engaging science and space programs to schools, and inspiring young minds with her enthusiasm and knowledge. This talent for creating a “spark” in young science enthusiasts would only gain momentum in the years that followed. 

Diane taught at the U.S. Space Foundation in Colorado Springs and welcomed her first daughter, Andrea, in 1986. Her zest for life only continued. She would bungee jump off the Royal Gorge Bridge, and climb Pikes Peak with good friends and Andrea strapped to her back. She always had a thrill for life and would jump at new and exciting experiences. 

Diane and Andrea returned to Illinois, where she became an educator at Schilling School in Homer Glenn. It was there that she invited a guest speaker into her classroom—Paul Sipiera. What began as a professional connection later grew into a friendship, and ultimately a love that would shape the rest of her life. Diane and Paul were married on May 22, 1993, in Elizabeth, Illinois, beginning a partnership rooted in shared passions and mutual respect. Together, they raised three daughters—Andrea, Paula, and Caroline—and celebrated 32 years of marriage. 

They created their first home in Algonquin, Illinois. Diane was a remarkable homemaker. Not only did she create a special place for her family to grow up, she would welcome the Havlik girls and school friends as if they were her own children. Later, they would move to Galena for a “slower” lifestyle, but nothing could slow Diane down. 

Diane had a special gift for making life feel magical. Holidays were particularly dear to her, with the Fourth of July and Christmas being her favorites. She had a wonderful sense of humor, which she lovingly passed on to her daughters. Diane cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren and delighted in encouraging their curiosity, often gifting them science kits and creepy crawly finds from around the Galena home—earning her the affectionate nickname “Grandma Bugs.” She also shared her love of music through piano and dancing which nurtured their creativity and joy for being silly and letting loose. 

Diane and Paul were truly a team. She quickly became pivotal to the success of his career. They shared a love of astronomy, science, nature, gardening, caring for animals, and listening to the music of John Denver. She and Paul founded the Planetary Studies Foundation, reflecting their shared commitment to education and outreach. She would support Paul to accomplish unimaginable things like Antarctic expeditions and countless friendships with American astronauts. 

Travel was one of their greatest joys, especially trips to the Colorado Rocky Mountains, as well as adventures to New Zealand, Hawaii, Rome, and many other memorable destinations. Their shared love of education also led them to co-author 25 children’s science books, leaving a lasting legacy in elementary science education. 

Diane believed deeply in giving back to her community. While living in Galena, she served as president of the Elizabeth Chamber of Commerce. A talented seamstress, Diane created many of the period costumes used at the historical Apple River Fort. She was a life member of the Elizabeth Historical Society, always eager to preserve and celebrate local history. 

Diane will be dearly missed by her husband, Paul, of Galena; her daughters, Andrea (Ryan) Nolan of Chicago, Paula (Cole) Feiner of Edgerton, Wisconsin, and Caroline (Robert) Sipiera of Galena; and her four cherished grandchildren, James, Roc, Olivia, and Miles. 

A celebration of Diane’s life will be held in the spring, with details to be announced. Her legacy lives on in the knowledge she shared, the love she gave, and the curiosity she inspired in generations to come. The family thanks the Midwest Nursing Center in Galena for the care and incredible love that they showed to Diane and their family during this difficult time.