Diane DeGroot, 80, formerly of River Forest, died on Jan. 14, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. Born on Feb. 11, 1939 to Harvey and Margaret Beckway in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago, she grew up in the Chicago area and was always happy to share her favorite memories, including having a pet pony. While attending Northwestern University, she met her late husband, Robert. They married in 1959 and together raised their children. Throughout her time in River Forest, she was extremely active in the community, serving as a den mother, an active volunteer at Willard Elementary School, and president of the PTO at Oak Park and River Forest High School.
She enjoyed curling at Oak Park Country Club and helped organize many fundraisers as president of the auxiliary board at West Suburban Hospital. She always put family first and loved becoming a Mimi to her four grandchildren, whom she loved to pieces. Sunday night family dinners were a weekly event in her home. Later in life, the couple retired to sunny Florida where she continued to volunteer and enjoy her love of gardening. She touched many throughout her life.
Diane DeGroot is survived by her children, Dean (Aimee) and Robin (Craig Smith); her grandchildren, Andrew (Jenny), Courtney, Tyler Arbeen, and Brooke Arbeen who will cherish her love, laughter, and memory every day.
Visitation will be held on March 7 from 11 to 12:30 p.m. at Suerth Funeral Home, 6754 Northwest Highway in Chicago, followed by a memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org or to the Animal Care League at animalcareleague.org.
