Diana R. Pilson

Diana Renee Pilson, age 80 of Lerna, IL passed away on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938 is in charge of arrangements. Diana was born on July 11, 1944, in Morris, IL to the late Wilson R. and Florence M. (Best) Boesiger. She married Danny “Dan” P. Pilson on February 27, 1965, in Arcola, IL; he preceded her in death on July 15, 2019. She is survived by her son, Jamie Pilson and his wife Christine of Mattoon, IL; grandsons, Jacob, Jared and his fiancée Mckenna Wyand and Jack Pilson all of Mattoon, IL; and her sister, Jo Ann Beyers of Neoga, IL. Diana lived a vibrant and fulfilling life, full of energy, opinions, and an unmistakable presence. She never met a stranger and was never afraid to speak her mind. Raised in Arcola, she was a proud Purple Rider. Diana owned and operated her own Century 21 real estate office in Ottawa, IL, before moving to Mattoon to support her late husband Dan in the family business. After his passing, she continued to offer guidance and support to her son Jamie, who now leads the company. Diana was deeply passionate about her community, always ready to give her time, resources, and heart to those in need. She was especially devoted to the Mattoon YMCA, playing an instrumental role in its development into the thriving facility it is today. A woman of many interests, Diana was an avid tennis and pickleball player, a master gardener, and even an enthusiastic amateur golf cart racer. Diana was very proud of her family. She had a love for the woods, the lake, the beach, her home and animals—especially dogs and stray cats—and a deep appreciation for music, often persistently convincing others to join her in dancing to her favorite songs. Her unique style was unmatched. She loved a Walmart sweat suit, clean, modern architecture, beautiful landscapes, Friday night pizza and a good filet paired with a glass of boxed Chardonnay. Diana's combination of toughness, humor, and zest for life left an unforgettable mark on everyone who knew her. Her spirit will live on through the countless lives she touched. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will forever be cherished. Memorial donations can be made in her memory to the Coles County Animal Shelter, 6818 N Co Rd 1120E, Charleston, IL 61920, Eastern Illinois Football Champions Club, https://eiupanthers.com/feature/PFCC or the Mattoon YMCA, 221 N. 16th Street, Mattoon, IL 61938. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in her honor or share a memory with the family.

Tributes

Diana R. Pilson

July 11, 1944 - September 24, 2024