Dianna S. Schweppe, 81, passed away on Thursday, December 26, 2024, surrounded by loved ones at Gillespie Health & Rehab Center in Gillespie, IL. She was born February 2, 1943 in St. Charles, MO, the daughter of the late Harriett (Noah) Turner & the late Richard F. Dillon. Dianna lived a remarkable life full of love, family, & accomplishment.
Dianna was married three times, each union bringing love & cherished family connections. She first married Norman "Poopsie" Highlander, with whom she had three children. She then married John "Big John" Harrison, who blessed her with four step children & a growing legacy of grandchildren & great grandchildren. Later, she married Lester "Bud" Schweppe. Each marriage lasted over a decade, & Dianna remained a beloved friend to her extended family throughout her life. All three of her husbands preceded her in death.
A successful businesswoman, Dianna was a well-known figure in the local restaurant scene. She owned & operated several popular establishments in Illinois & even one in California. Specializing in fried fish & seafood, she became affectionately known as "The Fish Lady" before retiring in 2016. Her dedication to her craft & her warm hospitality left a lasting impression on all who visited her restaurants.
Dianna is survived by her children - Norman D. (wife Kaye) Highlander & Dana M. Allen (fiance' Kevin Beard); her sister - Dorothy Fosdick (fiance' Ralph Neiman); her half brother - Randy Dillon; her step brother - Leroy Griffith; & a family tree that includes countless grandchildren, great grandchildren, step children, step grandchildren, nieces, nephews, & friends who became family.
She was preceded in death by her parents - Richard F. Dillon & Harriett (Clarence Jr.) Turner; her son - James "Bulldog" Highlander; her brothers - Harry Dillon, Tom Dillon, Roger Dale Turner, & Richard "Dickey" Dillon; her sister - Rosetta Chapon; her half sister - Sandy Masterson; & her step sister - Sharon Blanton.
Dianna's life was a testament to her love of family, her entrepreneurial spirit, & her ability to bring people together. She will be remembered for her infectious laughter, her generous heart, & her unmatched fried fish.
Friends may call from 2 to 4 PM on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Lesicko Funeral Home in Livingston, IL. A memorial service will be held at 4 PM on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Lesicko Funeral Home in Livingston, IL. Following the memorial service, a celebration of Dianna's life will be held at Rock Bottom Bar in Williamson, IL. In honor of her memory, the family asks that friends share stories, laughter, a meal & a beverage just as she would have loved.
Memorials are suggested to VITAS Hospice of Fairview Heights, IL.
Private burial will be held at a later date in Salem Cemetery in Alhambra, IL.
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