Diane Percival

Diane Percival, 83, of Chicago’s Andersonville, formerly of Ravenswood, passed away after a long journey with Alzheimer’s disease.

Diane was born in Beverly and raised in Tescott, both tiny Kansas towns with populations of barely 300. She was the youngest of six children born to a truck driver for Standard Oil and a stay-at-home mom. After graduating from Tescott High school, she earned her B.A. in English and French Literature from Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina and her M.A. in English Literature from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. After moving to Chicago, Diane joined the Humanities department at Wilbur Wright College where she taught art, literature and philosophy from the late 60’s until retirement in 1998.

It was at Wright that she met the man she would marry and with whom she would have one son. The union lasted for 20 years, but they remained friends and colleagues, even sharing an office. Diane generously hosted her late ex-husband’s memorial luncheon in 1995.

In retirement, Diane read women’s literature and feminist philosophy, attended dance performances, listened to jazz and classical music, and sang in a madrigal group called Renaissance Musician's Guild and later a vocal ensemble called the Ravenswood Consort. She enjoyed dining out with her son, particularly ethnic food. She traveled in Europe extensively and kept a very nice ornamental garden with a patio and bench. Diane’s interest in gardening inspired her daughter-in-law to undertake a career in the gardening industry.

She played the piano and would be pleased to know that her baby grand remained in her house and that her son negotiated with the new owners for $2000 and a good bottle of scotch.

Devoted mother of Joshua Dylan Hudson and mother-in-law of Christine Garcia. Dear aunt of many. Diane is also survived by many students and colleagues, and friends.

Preceded in death by parents Delbert and Ione (nee Chambers) Percival; siblings Daryl (Katie) Percival, Quentin (Iris) Percival, Donna (Doug) Beauchamp, Deane (Dick) Webb, and Carol Dee (Ellen) Percival; and former spouse Charles “Chuck” Lewis Hudson.

The family would like to thank the staff of Hartwell House for their care over the last seven years.

Memorial service Saturday October 3, 1-3pm Eulogies begin 1:30pm. Graceland Cemetery Chapel, 4001 N. Clark St., Chicago, 60613. Reception immediately following the service.

For those who are taking public transportation, please note that Graceland’s chapel is a brisk 15-minute walk onto the cemetery grounds. Restrooms are at the Visitors’ Center.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to the Environmental Defense Fund: https://www.edf.org/.

Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-318-1305 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com.