Funeral Details

Diana Lenik

May 1, 1952 - December 17, 2024

SERVICE INFORMATION

Date and Time

Thursday, December 19, 2024 at 10:30 AM

Graveside

Westlawn Cemetery
7801 West Montrose Avenue
Norridge, Illinois 60706
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Clergy

Rabbi Steven Philp
Mishkan Chicago

Shiva

The Cantor Residence
3600 North Keeler Avenue, Unit 2
Chicago, Illinois 60641
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Thursday following the interment until 5PM.
Friday from 11AM - 2PM.
Sunday from 12 Noon - 5PM

Memorial Contributions

Alzheimer’s Association
225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17
Chicago, Illinois 60601
www.alz.org




OBITUARY

Diana Lenik, Age 72

Dear sister of Nancy (Samuel) Cantor and David (Leta) Lenik. Beloved aunt of Sara, Stacy, Jessica, Noah, Ely, Max, and Zak. Diana attended Northwestern University and earned her law degree from Southern Illinois University. Beginning her career as a public defender, she later transitioned to criminal defense and family law, and resided in Champaign for over 40 years. Passionate about justice and education, she taught law classes in prisons, positively impacting countless lives. A proud graduate of Roosevelt High School's Class of 1970, Diana remained active and deeply connected with her classmates over the years. Diana was an avid trivia enthusiast, a devoted book lover, a skilled horseback rider, and an adventurous world traveler, visiting an impressive 41 countries. Above all, she cherished her role as aunt to her nieces and nephews, who brought her immense joy. She will be remembered for her dedication to her work, her lifelong love of learning, her adventurous spirit, and the cherished friendships she maintained throughout her life. Graveside service Thursday at 10:30 AM at Westlawn Cemetery, 7801 W. Montrose Ave, Norridge, IL 60706. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601, www.alz.org. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals – Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com.


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Diana was a light in the darkness for many. Through her law practice, community service and her personal friendships, she found many ways to find a way forward in difficult times.
Losing her own mother so young gave her a humility that caused her to keep a watchful eye for the suffering of others. By providing council, education and her stylized humor, she could bring a hardened heart at least a moment or two of relief, which sometimes is just enough to find your footing.

If you knew Diana well, even if you never met them personally, you know each member of her family. I enjoyed seeing her after she visited David and Leta’s family in New York or Nancy and Sam’s in Florida. She always started with the oldest child and said two or three positive things about each before moving to the next. I borrowed that construct professionally and personally: define others by what they get right. Diana was so grateful that her family was healthy, happy, brilliant and kind.

I was lucky enough to count her as a close, personal friend. I will always remember the laughter. After 33 years of friendship and 20 years of hosting her beautiful Seder, we certainly had a lot to laugh about. She always made fun of my little dogs and I always made fun of her floor length fur coat. The joyfulness in the room by the Third Cup will forever be a cherished memory. She presided over the Seder as she did with her friendships, a light heart so aware of the solemn values that uphold the belief that tomorrow should and will be a better day.

Brian Richter
December 19, 2024