Diana Leone Redecker

Obituary for Diana Leone Redecker

Diana Leone Redecker, a teacher and lifelong learner, passed away on August 19, 2025, in Tumwater, Washington. She was 83.

Born on April 20, 1942, in Portland, Oregon, Diana was the daughter of Vernon Redecker and Carolyn Berglund Redecker. A dedicated student from an early age, she graduated as salutatorian from Federal Way High School in 1960. Her pursuit of knowledge led to her studying at the University of Washington and Fort Wright College in Spokane. She later completed her master's degree from Seattle Pacific University in 1991.

Diana worked as an editor for TV Guide and as a bookkeeper when younger, but her true calling was education. She dedicated 28 years to teaching at Oakville Elementary School. In recognition of her service, the Chehalis Tribe honored her with a handmade cedar hat upon her retirement in 2007.

A woman of many talents and interests, Diana was known for her studious and kind nature. She was an avid reader and enjoyed solving Sudoku puzzles. Her creative pursuits included drawing, painting, knitting, and writing poetry. She also was known for making handmade gifts, including paper dolls and needlework, and sharing her love of arts and crafts with children in the family.

 Diana was an active member of her community. She was a member of St. Michael Parish and the Olympia Senior Center. Her love for children extended beyond the classroom as a Girl Scout leader. She also found joy in singing with the choir, participating in bible study, astronomy, and birdwatching.

She is survived by her brother, Vernon Redecker of Issaquah, Washington; her brother, Kirk Redecker of Maine, her sister, Madeline McIntire of Oakville, Washington; and her sister, Tamara Moore of Eugene, Oregon. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Vicki Mathews, and her brother Craig Redecker.

 A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Michael Parish in Olympia, Washington, on September 12,2025, at noon. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Tumwater, Washington. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Senior Services for South Sound, where Diana enjoyed activities, trips, teaching and taking classes, activities, zumba, and selling lunch tickets. Donations can be made online at https://www.southsoundseniors.org/give.