Diana Lee (“Dede”) Pape, 85, of Fort Wayne, passed away on Monday, August 24, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Diana loved everyone, and they loved her back. She greeted you with a big smile, always glad to see you. She asked about your life and listened to the answer. She treated nearly everyone like family and meant it.

Diana married Lowell L. Pape on September 14, 1963. They shared many wonderful years together until his passing on March 7, 1985. Two of their children were in college, two in high school, and one in grade school. She devoted herself to raising their five children while continuing to build a life centered around family. Her strength, resilience, and unwavering commitment to those she loved were defining parts of her life.

Diana loved bringing people together for family gatherings and celebrations, and her family will fondly remember the traditions and foods that became part of those occasions, including her taco salad, peanut brittle, and famously unique ham salad that contained no ham. Diana was also very proud of her Romanian heritage and the family traditions.

Diana was born on March 4, 1941, in Fort Wayne, to Philip and Elizabeth (Bogdon) Holom. She was a 1958 graduate of Central Catholic High School. Diana worked for the City of Fort Wayne Clerk’s Office and retired after 24 years of dedicated service.

Diana is survived by her five children, Kristine Brannock of Carmel, IN; Jeff (Julie) Pape of Westfield, IN; Jill Boocock of Indianapolis, IN; Tim (Becky) Pape of Fort Wayne; and Holly (Chris) Edwards of Fort Wayne; as well as sixteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Susan Law of Fort Wayne; her longtime companion, Bud Kirshner of Roanoke, IN; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Philomena Barta, Philip Holom, Jr., Helen Gochenauer, Vicki Benecke; and Daniel Holom.

Visitation will be held on September 1, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Jude Catholic Church, 2130 Pemberton Drive, Fort Wayne, Indiana, with Mass at 12:00 PM. Interment will follow at Fort Wayne Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, c/o IU Foundation, PO Box 7072, Indianapolis, IN 46207 or online at www.cancer.iu.edu/giving/support.