Diana Delores Kowalski, age 77, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2021 surrounded by her three children and longtime partner after experiencing complications of an extended illness.  

The Illinois native moved to Arizona in her twenties, following her parents, and after a long and successful career, she made Virginia her home in retirement. Diana was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.   

Diana was the person you wanted to sit on the porch with to hear stories about her children or her travels. Perhaps she’d lend a listening ear, give you a bit of advice or tell you about the most recent mystery novel she read. She loved the sunshine, seeing new places, a good book, bingo night, her animals, flowers - especially peonies, the outdoors and an ice cold “pop”. She was a steadfast, independent and strong-willed woman with quick wit, a craving for adventure and unwavering strength that remained true to the very end. Above all else, she loved her children, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren dearly. Diana will be deeply missed. She is preceded by her father, Vernon L. Somers, and her mother, Almeda D. Somers. 

Left to cherish the memories of a life well lived are her two sons, Terry Kowalski (Karen) of Wisconsin and Kris Kowalski (Jacqueline) of Virginia, one daughter, Kimberly Kowalski of Arizona, eight grandchildren, Jacqueline Priester (Brian), Gregory Colquitt, Justin Frazier, Nichole Tate (Dillon), Jennifer Kowalski, Michael Frazier, Emily Kowalski and Makayla Kowalski, two great-grandchildren, Camden Tate and Teagan Tate, and partner, Russell Mccrite. Other relatives and extended family and friends also survive. 

A memorial service will be held by immediate family members in Arizona at a later date. Donations in memory of Diana can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in lieu of flowers.