Diane E. Anderson, 87, of Huntley, passed away February 12, 2026.
Diane was born June 19, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of George and Marcia (Fulbius) Tillotson. Diane was fiercely independent and her life was defined by compassion, generosity, and strength. She fought through many challenges in life and always came out stronger, while wearing her heart on her sleeve and expressing her love through thoughtful acts of kindness. There was always room for one more at the table.
While raising her children, Diane devoted herself to her community as a Girl Scout Leader, and Manager of her son’s high school hockey team. Being that her late husband, Jack, was a retired firefighter…following the events of September 11, 2001, she made it her personal mission to honor local firefighters each year by preparing and serving meals to area fire departments on that day — a tradition that reflected her deep gratitude and enduring bond she felt as part of the firefighter family.
Diane was an enthusiastic fan of the Chicago Bears, Chicago Blackhawks, and NASCAR. She cherished her time with her longtime friends in the “Bunco Babes,” where laughter and friendship were always abundant. Most recently, she loved and cared for her new community at Huntley Springs. Above all, Diane’s greatest joy was her family — especially her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was also a devoted and beloved fur mom to Roxie and Honey.
A faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church, Diane lived her faith through service and love. She will be remembered for her kindness, thoughtfulness, generous spirit, and keen sense of humor. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her children: Jeff (Denise) Markussen, Jill Markussen, James Anderson, Jennifer Anderson, Cynthia (Steve) White, Ingrid (Adam) Freund, Kristin (Randy) Splitt, and Jessica (Alex) Anderson; 16 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; her brother, Bruce (Betty) Forke; her brother-in-law, Ronald Lehman; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack Anderson; her sister, Janice Lehman; her daughter In-law, Janice Markussen; her daughter, Tanya Anderson; her son, Christopher Anderson; and her granddaughter Adrianna Anderson.
Visitation will be held Sunday, March 8, 2026, from 12:00–2:00 p.m., with a service at 2:00 p.m., all at Zion Lutheran Church, 4206 W. Elm Street, McHenry, Illinois 60050. A private burial will take place at Windridge Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
For further information, please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772, or online
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I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing.
A very caring and intelligent Child of God . You will be missed . My condolences to the Anderson family