Diane V. Schmadeke

To know Diane Vanarsdall Schmadeke was to love her. Diane left this world to reunite once again with friends, parents, and her brother David Vanarsdall, who passed before her. In the Gospel of Luke, it says that in heaven, we may welcome others into our eternal dwellings. If that be so, then Diane will surely be hosting a party. That is who she was.
Diane passed on Saturday, July 30, 2022 – 91 years after being born to Dr. Harold & Marian Vanarsdall in Anderson, Indiana on December 2, 1930. Diane studied at Indiana University where she majored in English and was a proud member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority. She worked at Yosemite National Park in the summers with her future husband, Bill. After college Diane was a Pan American World Airways stewardess and traveled the world as she had done throughout childhood with her adventurous parents. It was during these times that Diane cultivated life-long friendships with others spanning the globe.

Being a mother of five enterprising and accomplished children was perhaps Diane’s greatest joy. Kurt (Janice), Lisa, Lynn (Rex), Rick (Robin), and Bill (Melissa), who all live in Indianapolis will miss the foundation of love that Diane was to their family. “Noni” left the same legacy to her 14 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Big family gatherings for holidays and birthdays were her delight. Diane was in her element while entertaining friends and family. A more gracious hostess there never was.

In and around Indianapolis, Diane was an avid supporter and active participant in many clubs and organizations with some of her favorites being St. Margaret’s Guild, the Indiana Council of World Affairs, Christamore House, and St. Luke’s Methodist Church. Her many interests and passions ranged from oil painting, downhill skiing, boating, swimming, and playing bridge with her many clubs. She loved the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, plays, and the arts. Diane’s artistic and adventurous spirit is evident in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives. She encouraged them to travel and to have experiences that would enrich their lives as it had hers.

The Schmadeke family has lost its loving anchor but are challenged to continue Diane’s legacy of love and charity. The administrators and staff at Grand Brook Memory Care were angels of caring for Diane this past year. We humbly thank them. Even as dementia stole some of her memories, Diane would ask to hear about each visitor’s day and checked in on how their family was doing. Her kind spirit made others comfortable in her presence and the predictably warm smile always showed the inner beauty that remained with her until the very end.

If you would like to make a donation in Diane’s memory in lieu of flowers, please consider the Christamore House or any organization which encourages the arts for future generations. Diane’s Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, August 26, 2022 at Flanner Buchanan-Oaklawn Memorial Gardens (Good Shepherd Chapel), 9700 Allisonville Rd Indianapolis. Visitation will be noon to 2:30, with the Celebration to immediately follow.

To livestream the service click here