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Diana Lenik Obituary
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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Chana Bursztyn
April 25, 2025
On the occasion of Diana´s birthday, I´m remember the story of how she risked life and limb to buy a pashmina during one of her many international trips, by realizing too late that it had turned dark already and she had no transportation back to her hotel. She found a fly-by-night taxi, and with no other option, trusted that she´d get back safely. I also remember her fascination with sloths (not that she shared their inactivity- quite the opposite), which she traveled to Costa Rica to observe. And who can forget the Seders she led at her friend Brian´s house, complete with finger puppet plagues!
Here is Diana at my son´s wedding in 2019.
Carol S Leff
December 27, 2024
I first knew Diana when we both served on together on the steering committee of the Champaign County ACLU. Typical of her to do that! We were last together on one of those Amtrak off-days maybe 18 months ago, when the 4:00 PM train from Chicago due in Champaign 6:30 didn't actually get here until almost 11PM. It was good to have her sustained company, although I didn't then know it would be the last time. Sad to know. With love and appreciation, Carol
Melissa Cross Hildreth
December 23, 2024
Diana, I have known you, it seems, forever. Mom loved you and thought that you were one of the smartest women that she knew. Peace to your family
Melissa Cross Hildreth
Judy Larson
December 23, 2024
Dear Cousins,
I was sad to hear that Diana had been struggling these past couple of years. I will remember her laugh, her smarts, and her adventurous spirit.
Nancy and David, grief is a damn thing - despite your tough loss, I'm hoping you find some peace. I trust that Diana has.
May her memory be a blessing.
Love,
Judy
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Cathy McGuire
December 21, 2024
Oh, I am so sorry and feel so badly for the loss of Diana. She was such a good friend. We had so much fun together.
We laughed and laughed about the toilets we encountered in China. We couldn't figure out how to use one.
We must have attended every ERA march there was in the 70's. Whenever anything happened in politics we talked for hours even after I moved to Indiana.
She was such an understanding and very kind person. Once when a rather harsh judge put one of her youthful clients in solitary or close to that, I can't recall all the details now, she would go visit him so he had someone to talk to. She was his only visitor. She didn't need or was required to do that, but out of the kindness of her heart she did this for this kid. I really admired her for that.
She would volunteer to take a shift at the battered women's shelter at Xmas time so Christians could observe the holiday.
We spent a lot of time with our good friend Donna at her house and would laugh together about some of the funny things she did. The three of us had many adventures. She loved being a lawyer and her weekly lawyer lunches. She said she was inspired by watching Perry Mason to become a lawyer.
She cherished all of her nieces an nephews and I learned all their names and latest achievements. I felt like I knew them. She loved taking them on trips with her. She told me stories about her family and sister and brother. I worried about her brother living in Israel.
If I needed someone to talk to she was always a sympathic ear.
I will always remember Diana with fondness. Her death leaves a big hole in my heart. This is such sad news.
My condolences to Nancy and all her family members.
Cathy McGuire
Dec. 21
Chana Bursztyn
December 20, 2024
Diana was a brand unto herself, from A to Z: starting with her Adventurous trips once a year and extending to her Zippy sports cars. She was a kind, proud, and loving sister, aunt, and great aunt, a lawyer committed to justice for all, and a supportive, fun-loving, and nonjudgmental friend to me for over 26 years. I loved her and I already miss her. May she be a blessing to us all, and may her family be comforted by loving memories.
Eileen B. Feder
December 19, 2024
What more could anyone want out of life ? Diana had a loving family, life long friends and the love and respect of her colleagues. As we say about all the people we love in this life, we just wish she had more time. I am so proud to have known her.I even went with Nancy to Champaign for her memorable retirement celebration. May her memory be for a blessing. May we all speak of her for a long time.
Sandra Mcmillion
December 18, 2024
Rest In Peace Diana Lenix
Katrina
December 18, 2024
Diana was my boss 25 yrs ago. I loved working for her. She always treated me well. We kept in contact for awhile after I moved but then life got busy. She taught me alot about the law just in the short 2 yrs I worked for her
Needless to say, I will miss her. RIP Diana
John Robinson
December 18, 2024
Diana was a trusted colleague and a champion of human rights. She will be missed.
Terry Prillaman
December 18, 2024
So sorry to hear of Diana's passing. Prayers to her family.
Roger Webber
December 18, 2024
So sorry to hear of Diana's passing. I worked with her for 2 years in the Public Defender's Office and was a great source of advice for a brand new lawyer, trying to find his way. She will be missed.
Nina Smith
December 18, 2024
I remember Diana vividly from high school. And most of what I remember is laughter. May joy be hers in eternity.
Debra Karplus
December 18, 2024
So sad to hear of Diana's passing.
Natasha
December 18, 2024
Boss lady you will be missed. Glad we got to talk a few months ago. Thank you for being a great boss, a great friend and treating me and my children like family. My condolences to the family. (Natasha)
Gary Stark
December 17, 2024
Surprised and saddened to read about our dear cousin´s passing. Always enjoyed our time together at family reunions, and the time she stayed with us in Cincinnati. We hope she is at peace.
Gary and Barb Stark
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