Diana D. Castellari, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the age of 80. Born in Waverly, Kentucky, on February 15, 1945, the daughter of Harold Kenneth Wright and Mary Louise Vanover, Diana brought warmth, kindness, and compassion into the lives of everyone she encountered.
Diana dedicated her later life to caring for others as an in-home healthcare provider, offering support and comfort to those in need. She also worked at the Centralia Junior High School for many years, and she incorporated her love of people into her work as a consultant in direct sales for various companies. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her professional life as her family and grandchildren were the center of her world. She cherished moments spent with them, creating a legacy of love and connection.
She is survived by her loving children, Michael Castellari and wife Cheryl of Florida, and Misty Alli and husband Jim of Centralia; her cherished grandchildren, Sterling Phillips, Peyton Castellari, Logan Alli, Katelyn Alli, Reagan Castellari, and Nia Curlee; her sister, Bonnie Busby of Florida; her sisters-in-law, Patrice Henry, Diane (Doug) Fritch and Regina Castellari; her brothers-in-law, Richie (Sue) Meuth and Joe Lee (Jan) Meuth; several nieces and nephews; and her devoted caregiver, Carolyn Shaffer.
Diana was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Edwin Lee Castellari, her brothers Kenneth Michael Wright, Perry Vanover, and Tony Vanover, and her parents-in-law, Peno and Theresa Castellari, and Joe and Wanda Meuth. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she has been reunited with them in peace.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia. Visitation will be held on Friday from noon until the time of the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Centralia. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Red Cross and the Centralia Humane Society and/or will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home, located at 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to Diana’s family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home Facebook page.
