In Memoriam~ Diane Nolan, wife of Jim Nolan ’69

Diane Nolan, wife of James “Jim” Nolan ’69

Diane Marie Nolan, 62, passed away suddenly from a pulmonary embolism during the early hours of Sept. 1, 2020. Before taking our Heavenly Father’s hand and faithfully answering His call, she spent her final moments with her loving husband, hand in hand, heart to heart.

She was born to Clarence and Mary (Foley) Walsh on March 21, 1958 in Hastings, MN, where she remained a life-long resident of the community. She graduated from Hastings High School in 1976. After some college, she went on to have a 36 year-long career at 3M in accounting; retiring in 2014.

Diane (mama, Di, Didee) will be remembered for her abundant joy, deep care for others, great hugs, and her contagious smile and laughter. She always gave generously of herself. She faithfully served her church in many ways, served as the treasurer of the Hastings Basketball Boosters for many years, and diligently donated her platelets. Her greatest joys in life were spending time with her family and friends, gardening, playing bingo, being the #1 fan at sporting events, country music, attending the MN State Fair every year, stamping and card-making projects, and baking (truffles, caramel crack & baked beans were what made her famous). In her down time, she could often be found playing Sudoku, doing crosswords, listening to Christian radio, or watching murder mysteries and Bravo TV. She had a passion for travel; it took her around the US and the world. She was truly one-of-a-kind and extraordinary in every way.

She met the love of her life, Jim, while he was coaching her volleyball team. They married on Oct. 4, 1980 and would have celebrated 40 years of marriage this year on their granddaughter’s 2nd birthday. Their adored children, Nathan and Michelle, were born in 1983 and 1985. Michelle married Jake Hawkins in 2017, and gave them their first grandchild, Quinn Diane, in 2018. Diane was most in her element being wife, mom, and grammy. Diane was immensely proud of her family and loved them unconditionally; she leaves behind nothing but beautiful memories.

She is survived by her husband James (Jim) Nolan; son, Nathan Nolan; daughter, Michelle Hawkins; her son-in-law Jake Hawkins; granddaughter Quinn Diane Hawkins; mother Mary Walsh; sisters Fran (Delos Nokleby) Walsh, Teresa (Steve) Dropkin; brother John (Jacque) Walsh; brothers- and sisters-in-law Peter (Mary) Nolan, John (Vicky) Nolan, Steve (Deb) Nolan, Kathy (Richard) King, Margaret Nolan (Richard Shaw), Tom (Patty) Nolan, Dave (JoAnn) Nolan, Jeff (Lynn) Nolan; godchildren Brian Nolan, Laura Collins, Garrett Nolan, Rebecca Nolan; a host of nieces, nephews, other extended family; countless dear friends.

She is preceded in death and has been embraced by her father, Clarence Walsh; father- and mother-in-law, Philip and Lorraine Nolan; angel baby Hawkins.

For reasons still unknown, God wanted her now. He set her free.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, September, 10 at 11:00 am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2035 W. 15th St., Hastings. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September, 9 from 4:00-7:00 pm at Starkson Family life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion St., Hastings and from 9:30-10:30 am on Thursday also at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable donation in her honor.

Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel is serving the family. Visit hastingsmnfuneral.com to sign the online tribute page and view the memorial video.