Diane Davies Rosewall, 94, died peacefully on February 23, 2024 in De Pere, WI. She was born August 13, 1929 to James and Grace Golden Davies in Minneapolis, MN. She attended West High School and the University of Minnesota where she earned a degree in Music Education. She was an active performer and began her teaching career in Little Falls, MN.
In 1953 she married her true love and soulmate, Richard Byron Rosewall, embarking on a union full of humor, music, creativity and love. Together they raised three children David Roy (partner Anne Walsh), Michael Paul (Ellen) and Ann Linnea (Steve Slotter). Their home was known for its warm welcome and hospitality. Diane was a passionate teacher, working in Evanston IL as a substitute in the schools and as Director of Northminster Church’s Christian Day School for 20 years.
During that time she completed a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education at National College of Education. She was a fierce warrior for social justice, advocating for the homeless, racial equity, closing the School of the Americas and peace in Central America. She initiated Northminster’s participation in Vietnamese resettlement.
Diane’s wide ranging interests led her on European vacations with Dick, rose gardening, feeding all the neighborhood squirrels on Lincolnwood Drive (shout out to Oliver) and experiencing a longtime bond with a gorilla (Kundu) at Lincoln Park Zoo, where she was a docent for over two decades. She also volunteered at Evanston Hospital, the Chicago Historical Society, and the Interfaith Action of Evanston soup kitchen. Her involvement at Northminster extended from singing in the choir, leading youth and bell choirs, performing with Southmunster and the Northminster Players, to serving as a Deacon, Elder and 5 th grade Sunday School teacher. Her involvement in the sister relationship with the 22nd of April colony in El Salvador changed countless lives.
Her passing will be mourned by her family, the Williamses, the Beerhorsts and admirers from every corner of her life. She was preceded in death by her parents and five siblings, husband, Dick (2001) and son, David (2024). She is survived by her children, Mike and Ann, five grandchildren, Carolyn (Marshall Roth), Melissa Polski (Brian), Dan (Amy), Linnea García and Peter Kenyon Rosewall, and five great-grandchildren, River, Raylee, Charlotte, Fitzgerald and Brooks. Memorials may be sent to the mission program of Northminster Presbyterian Church, 2515 Central Park Ave., Evanston, IL 60201.
A memorial will be held at Northminster Church at a later date.
A strong, fierce, extraordinarily lovely woman whom we loved dearly and will miss deeply. Thank you, Diane.
Love Diane Rosewall‼️ Five years ago we sang “Thank you God…” at Hermes with her daughter Ann, my oldest Matt (in Diane’s 3 yr old group ‘82) & his 4 yr daughter Reba. Diane was the Best!