Diane Elizabeth Rowe

Diane E. Rowe (Kasarda), born November 15, 1929, passed peacefully on Easter Sunday. Born near Mount Olive, Illinois, she will be laid to rest there. The Kasarda family were longtime residents of Mount Olive, a place that remained close to her heart throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Eugene R. Rowe, who passed away in 2005; her parents, Elizabeth and Michael Kasarda; her sisters Mary, Judy, and Agnes; her brother Gregory; and her other siblings.

Diane was the youngest of 12 children, a role that shaped her lifelong appreciation for family, tradition, and togetherness.

Diane was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished her family deeply. Her kindness, strength, and unwavering love will be remembered by all who knew her. She is survived by her loving daughters, Deborah McVey (Thomas), Jeanne Rowe (Terri), Lisa Gerdes-Huckins (Robert), and Julianne Lassus (Greg). For 21 years after Eugene’s passing, they lovingly cared for her in their homes. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way.

Diane loved cooking, baking, and hosting gatherings for family and friends over the years. Her home was a place of warmth, faith, and tradition.

The family resided in Griffith, Indiana, since 1959. They were longtime parishioners of St. Mary Catholic Church and were actively involved in Griffith Park and Recreation. Diane was also a proud and faithful supporter of Eugene’s many contributions to the Griffith Town Board over the years.

Her family will forever remember her deep faith, her love for prayer, and her daily devotion to the Rosary, which remained an important part of her life until the very end. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, devotion, and family.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 from 4-7pm at Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8941 Kleinman Road (one block south of Ridge Rd) Highland, IN.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 10:00am at St. Mary Catholic Church 525 N. Broad Street Griffith, IN with Rev. Keith Virus officiating.

Visitation from 9:30am until time of Mass at the church.

Diane will be laid to rest on Friday, April 17, 2026 at Holy Trinity Cemetery in Mount Olive, IL.

For further information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home, Konnie Kuiper - Michael Kuiper Vass by calling 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com 

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