Diane Marie Majka Coan
August 4, 1947 – December 8, 2022
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It is with great sadness that we share the news that my mom, Diane Marie Majka Coan, 75, passed away on Thursday, December 8, 2022, in Gilbert, AZ. She was born in Chicago, IL, on August 4, 1947, to Robert and Helen Majka.
We are heartbroken, but all the family was here in Arizona to share her last days and comfort her until her pain was over. If you knew Diane (our mom), you know she was a beacon of light and positivity and she had a remarkable joy for life. She was vibrant, fun, smart, savvy, and creative. She loved her family fiercely and was at every event where we played, were honored, or performed, often volunteering at the events. She was generous with her time and warm and welcoming to everyone she met.
She was retired from mortgage underwriting, where she had been a well-respected manager, mentor, and leader for many years.
She loved Disney (especially Winnie the Pooh) and casinos and taking road trips with Paul Coan, her husband of 53 years. She loved to garden, read mysteries, and watch game shows with my dad. She loved her little dog, Chica, and all the pets we’ve all had over the years.
She and Dad moved to Arizona about a year ago to enjoy the warmth and to be near Jeanne and her family.
Diane is survived by her loving husband, Paul Coan; daughters, Cynthia Coan and Jeanne Coan Sayas (Tony); grandchildren, Nicholas Sayas, Adriana Erickson, Samantha Sayas, and Matthew Erickson.
She didn’t want a funeral, but she wished for a celebration of her life with people sharing pictures and memories.
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Pat Gardner says: Diane was my special friend for 50 years. She always came through when I needed a friend. She was always willing to give me that shoulder to cry on and words of encouragement. My friend, you are dearly missed.
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Janet Laperuto Dongarra says:
Diva (as we affectionately called her) was my bff from when we were 6 years old. Throughout time, our lives continued to cross and be special. While we weren’t always able to be together, we never lost contact and spent many many happy times together. She was so special in so many ways…keeping us grounded when it was tough. But most of all, we shared the best childhood kids could ask for. My memories and childhood spent with Diane are so cherished. I can’t believe that she left before we could say goodbye. Loved her forever. Jan
Pat Gardner 
Janet Laperuto Dongarra
Diane was my special friend for 50 years. She always came through when I needed a friend. She was always willing to give me that shoulder to cry on and words of encouragement. My friend, you are dearly missed.
Diva (as we affectionately called her) was my bff from when we were 6 years old. Throughout time, our lives continued to cross and be special. While we weren’t always able to be together, we never lost contact and spent many many happy times together. She was so special in so many ways…keeping us grounded when it was tough. But most of all, we shared the best childhood kids could ask for. My memories and childhood spent with Diane are so cherished. I can’t believe that she left before we could say goodbye. Loved her forever. Jan