Diane A. Brennan

Diane Schade Brennan, 68, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away on 1/9/23 surrounded by loved ones. Diane was a fun-loving sister, wife, and mother who put her family and friends above all else. Growing up in Rockford, Illinois, she attended Muldoon High School before graduating from Boylan High School. She maintained a treasured lifelong relationship with her "Muldoonies." Diane went on to work at Blue Cross for 18 years before retiring. Diane never hesitated to help care for friends and family during times of sickness or need, even while fighting for her own health. She loved seeing live music and often could be found as the life of the party – but Diane shined brightest at being a supportive mother, grandmother, and wife. She loved being the self-proclaimed "goofy" grandma.

Diane is predeceased by her parents, Merle and Irma Schade; her siblings, David Schade, Dean (Dino) Schade, and Denice (Schade) Phillips; her brother-in-law, Gene Adams; and her son, Brent Wheat. She is survived by her loving husband, Marc; her beloved sister, Debbie (Schade) Adams; her brother-in-law, Dave Phillips; her sons, Jesse (Brittany) Garcia, Adam (Katie Vancha) Wheat, and Jarod (Jillian) Wheat; her five grandchildren, Julia and Brent Garcia, Laura Wheat, and Owen and Dean Wheat; a number of adored nieces and nephews, and her special dog, Riley.

The family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to those who helped care for Diane: Dr. Amber Ijaz, Dr. Mark Benson, Dr. 

Harneet Gahley, and Serenity Hospice.

A visitation will be held at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 3910 N. Rockton Avenue, Rockford, IL 61103 on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, from 10:00 am to 12:00 p.m., with a service beginning at noon. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for a memorial to be established at a later date. To share memories or express condolences, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.