Obituary of Diane W. Stracka

Diane W. Stracka, 78, of Madison, NJ, passed away on May 22, 2025.

Born in Elizabeth, Diane resided in Madison for the past 54 years.

Diane earned her Psychology degree from the County College of Morris and Fairleigh Dickinson University. She worked for Exxon/Mobil for 35 years.

Diane was a loving wife, amazing mom, and devoted nana.  She found joy in knitting, baking, gardening, reading, and spending time with family and friends. She worked for Exxon/Mobil in several of their office locations over the years, where she made lifelong friends.  Diane enjoyed her cruises to Alaska, the Mediterranean, and Bermuda, as well as multitudes of family vacations all around the US. She spent each summer on the coast of South Carolina even though she despised the sun and water, but being there with her family was far more important. Diane adored animals, with dogs, cats, and horses being her favorites. Her dog, Chase, is going to miss her very much.

Diane was a wonderful cook and superb baker.  Her Christmas cookies and desserts were loved by all and coveted by her family. Holidays will never be the same. She could always be found knitting hats and scarves to donate to those in need or for her family and friends. If she wasn’t gardening outdoors, she was busy caring for her own personal greenhouse that included so many beautiful African violets. After retiring, she spent several years volunteering for New Eyes for the Needy, joining the Thursday Morning Club, and playing Bridge and Mahjong with groups of friends. Recently, Diane could be seen playing the bells in the bell choir at All Saints Church. No matter where she was or what she was doing, her family was always the most important to her, and we miss her more than words can even begin to describe.

Diane is survived by her loving husband, Thomas W. Stracka; and her devoted children, Leigh Gillespie, and her husband, Jason; and Scott Stracka. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Jessica and Bailey Gillespie. Diane was predeceased by her mother, Elizabeth Gallagher (2006).

Family and friends are welcome to gather on Thursday, May 29 from 4-7pm at Burroughs, Kohr & Dangler Funeral Home, 106 Main Street, Madison. A Memorial and Interment Service for Diane will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 10:00am at All Saints Episcopal Church, 15 Basking Ridge Road, Millington, NJ. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the ASPCA.