Diane Marie Palka (Lynne)

Diane Marie Lynne Palka

Sept. 27, 1941 – June 5, 2022

Diane passed away peacefully at Valley Manor Care Center in Montrose, CO surrounded by family and messages of support from scattered loved ones.

She grew up in Detroit MI where she worked as a legal secretary and married Leonard Palka. After his death in 1985, she moved close to family in Jeffersonville IN and enjoyed volunteering in several area hospitals plus tutoring elementary school children. In 2017, Diane relocated to be with her sister and family in Montrose.

History and reading were life – long hobbies. She always remembered birthdays with an early card. Diane had very strong values and supported the Smithsonian, ACLU, and Southern Poverty Law Center. With amazing strength Diane overcame addictions to alcohol and tobacco which made a wonderful difference in her whole life. She had a special place in her heart for other’s experiencing life’s struggles.

Diane was preceded in death by her parents George and Clair Lynne, her husband Leonard Palka, and her nephew Michael Lippman. She was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, aunt, step-grandmother, and friend.

Diane is survived by her siblings Cheryl Gibson (Gordon) of Montrose CO; Judy Lippman (Steven) Louisville KY; Gregory Lynne, Charlottesville VA; nieces Melanie Lippman, Jenny Lippman (Ashok), Katy Gibson Gresh (Greg), Julie Pugliese (Paul), Valerie Meyers (Ron), nephews Jack Gibson and Joe Lynne, and seven great nieces and nephews.

Diane’s life celebration was held with family, and the awesome residents and staff at Valley Manor Care Center.

Crippin Funeral Home and Crematory assisted the family. The family can receive messages online at www.crippinfuneralhome.com.