Diane Rappa

Diane Adele Holmes Rappa.

Age 88, of Stillwater. Born on November 22, 1936 in Minneapolis, MN to Harry and Flora Holmes and passed away on March 7, 2025 while in the care of Harbor Crossing's Memory Care Unit.

Diane lived most of her life between Minneapolis, White Bear Lake and Stillwater. She was a faithful Christian, devoted wife, incredible mother, loving grandmother, passionate teacher and wonderful friend to many.

Her long-time passion for learning and teaching started with playing "school" with her dolls and the neighborhood kids in the front yard. She paid her way through secondary school at Minnehaha Academy, college at North Park University (Chicago) and the University of Minnesota. She taught for a total of 27 years; starting in the Minneapolis School District, Stillwater and North St. Paul.

When she retired, she spent time tutoring her grandchildren and volunteering at their schools.

She married her husband of 64 years Bernard P. Rappa, at Bethlehem Covenant Church on April 9, 1960; after meeting him at North Park University and courting for 6 years. Together they raised five boys and traveled the world.

She loved the outdoors and liked to walk, play golf, garden, take care of her wild birds and winter ski (when she was young). She also enjoyed reading, attending bible study, socializing with friends over coffee or a card game and belonging to the White Bear Lake Area Jaycees. She spent a lot of her time supporting her boys and grandchildren at school and sporting events. Go Ponies, Bears and Rangers!

When asked what she was most proud of Diane always said, "my boys and my grandchildren."

Diane's bright eyes and smile lit up a room, never ceasing during her battle with dementia. May those that mourn her, find comfort in knowing that she is now in her eternal home with God, surrounded by lasting love and peace.

Preceded in death by: Mother, Father, Brothers (Robert and Eugene Holmes) and Sister Lois Holmes Larsen. Brother-in-law Ian Proudfoot and Daughter-in-law Lori Rappa.

Survived by: Husband Bernard, Sisters-in-laws: Ann Proudfoot and Joan Holmes, Beloved children: Scott (Mary Lynn), Richard (Renda), Bradley (Nicky), Steve and Christopher (Ann). Grandchildren: Anthony, Mary (Kenyon), Nick, Joseph, Matthew, Sofia (Julian), Hunter, Nicholas, Johnny, Alex, Eleni, Aydan, Peter and Amalia. Great grandchildren: Mila, Kallen and Rendalisa. Many nieces, nephews, friends and childhood best friend Janet Halverson.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11AM on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Road, in Mahtomedi, Minnesota with a visitation beginning an hour prior.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Alzheimer's prevention or school supplies for teachers.