Helen Diane Ilg

Helen Diane “Di” Hawkins-Ilg, age 79, passed away the evening of July 27, 2020. Diane was born in Des Moines, Iowa on June 16, 1941. Diane’s early years were spent in Des Moines before she joined her family in their move to Portland, Oregon in 1956. Diane attended and graduated from Immaculate High school in 1959. She then attended Marylhust College for a number of years before beginning her professional career in various customer service positions, most notably at Nordstrom and Multnomah County. She also spent her post career years serving in various volunteer positions helping those in need, in particular as a volunteer with a woman’s crisis line. Diane was a genuinely kind and generous person, who was always an advocate for the underdog and those less fortunate. She had a profound love of God and her Catholic faith and remained dedicated to her faith throughout her entire life. Diane loved nothing more than attending mass at her beloved St. Mary’s Catholic Church as well the Abby at Mount Angel. Diane’s last years were spent at Mount Angel Towers and the Providence Benedictine Orchard House where she was known for her consistent upbeat attitude, her humor and her kindness. Diane was predeceased by her loving husband of over 20 years, George John Ilg who passed in 2013. Diane is survived by her sisters Patricia Sharp and Terry Ness, as well as her nieces, Lisa Sharp, Kristin Morris, and nephews Kevin, Kelly and Kasey Mahaffy. Diane has joined her beloved nephew Kory Mahaffy who passed away way too soon in life in 2018. Her dear friends, Barb Iverson and Rene Grier, lovingly helped care for Diane for many years prior to her passing. The family wants to share with both of them their deepest and most sincere gratitude for all they did for her. Other than her love of God and her religion, Diane enjoyed nothing more than spending time with family and dear friends. Her nieces and nephews remember the fun times they had camping with Diane at the beach and in Central Oregon. She was an amazing aunt and will be remembered fondly and forever by all of them. Diane loved to walk. It was her therapy and her passion. In the 80s and 90s she organized and participated in many volkwalks. She and George enjoyed walking together. They often took long walks on the beach where they loved to collect agates. Diane will be laid to rest at Gethsemani Cemetery in Portland, Oregon. Diane’s family will always remember her kindness, her loving heart, her generous spirit, her sense of humor, her consistent positive upbeat attitude and her love of God. Diane’s favorite expression: “Every day is a blessing” And, that is how she lived her life. Hebrew 6:10 “For God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name.” And 1 Thessalonians 4:14 “For if we have faith that Jesus died and rose again, so too God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in death through Jesus.” Message to Diane from all who love her. Rest peacefully dear Di. You are in God’s loving arms now.

Tributes

Helen Diane Ilg

June 16, 1941 - July 27, 2020