Funeral Details

Diane Kliebard Silverberg, loving partner to the late David Steiner, mother, daughter, sister, friend, social justice advocate, and accomplished litigation attorney, died peacefully at her home in Evanston, Illinois, on December 1, 2022. She was 61. Diane was preceded in death by her beloved fiancé, David Steiner, her father, Herbert M. Kliebard, and her mother, Bernice (Bleiweiss) Kliebard.

Diane was born in New York, on March 25, 1961, the oldest of two children of Herb and Bernice Kliebard. She graduated from Madison West High School in 1979. In high school Diane excelled in her academic studies while also pursuing her love of music. In addition to collecting an array of academic honors, Diane was voted by her classmates to serve as the student representative on the City of Madison Board of Education. An accomplished flutist, Diane’s musical pursuits followed in the footsteps of her mother, Bernice, who was Diane’s flute instructor. One of the highpoints of Diane’s musical achievements was when she took the stage to play flute with Chuck Mangione at a concert in Madison, Wisconsin, in November 1977 during the height of Mangione’s wildly successful hit song “Feels So Good.” That same year she won first place honors in the Steenbock Young Artist Auditions held by the Madison Civic Music Association. Diane next attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where she obtained her B.A. in 1983 with a dual major in English and Philosophy. In college, Diane continued to excel academically and was elected Phi Betta Kappa. Destined to become a successful litigation attorney, upon graduation Diane attended the law school at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where she received her J.D. in 1986.

After earning her law degree, Diane practiced law in St. Louis for a few years where she met Mark Silverberg, former husband and father of her children, before relocating to Chicago. Diane was an exceptional and fierce litigator, known for her keen intellect, tireless advocacy for her clients, her outstanding legal writing, and the warmth and humor she provided to her colleagues. She was a mentor to many. She was aptly described by clients as a skilled trial lawyer who had earned her peers’ respect and admiration. One of the many highlights of Diane’s legal career was winning a complex condominium association case in the Illinois Supreme Court in 2014 that was closely watched around the country. Diane never took her success for granted and was always willing to assist those in need by providing pro bono legal representation and by advocating for social justice. Diane was the proud recipient of the 2022 Award for Excellence in Pro Bono and Public Interest Service. This award is presented annually by the Judges of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in Chicago and the Chicago Chapter of the Federal Bar Association to award lawyers who have served the court and the community by providing pro bono representation and advocacy.

Diane loved her family dearly. Her children, Marissa (Will) Cowell and David Silverberg, were the light of her life, and she always cherished her relationship with her younger brother, Ken (Judith) Kliebard. She was an amazing mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, colleague, mentor, animal lover, advocate, and friend. Diane was as gregarious as they come, with an awesome sense of humor. She loved to host large holiday dinners for her friends and family where she served up delicious meals and stimulating conversation. She is fondly remembered by all for her radiance, strength, intellect, and humor.

As strong as she was throughout her life both intellectually and physically, Diane met her match when Ocular Melanoma entered her life three years ago. Cancer is indiscriminate in those who it takes. Diane fought it with every ounce of energy she had and with the tireless support of beloved friends and family, but the brutal truth is that her body could no longer carry on. Diane’s untimely passing is devastating. But she expressed her sincere wish that her friends and family would not allow their sadness to displace their love and fond memories of Diane. She wanted us to celebrate her life and for her to be remembered for all of the joy and laughter she brought to our lives.

Diane is survived by her brother Kenneth (Judy) Kliebard, daughter Marissa (Will) Cowell, son David Silverberg, niece Brianna Kliebard, nephew Joey Kliebard, as well as myriad colleagues and friends.

Service Friday 2PM at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 8851 Skokie Blvd. (at Niles Center Road) Skokie.

Interment Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family lovingly encourages contributions to charities that advance Diane’s passions and wishes, including: The Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras, PO Box 258039, Madison, WI 53725, wysomusic.org/support/how-to-give/ and the Wills Eye Hospital, 840 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19107, www.willseye.org/giving/.

To attend the funeral live stream, please visit our website. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com