Diana L. McCoy

Diana Lou (Parker) McCoy, 85, lifelong resident of Rockford, IL, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, with loving family by her side.

Diana was born in Beloit, WI on October 30, 1940, the daughter of Kendall and Marion (Dolan) Parker. She graduated from Bishop Muldoon High School in Rockford, Class of 1958.

Diana went on to earn her ND doctoral nursing degree from Rush Presbyterian and began her lifelong career in psychiatric nursing. Diana had a deep passion for learning, continually pursuing new degrees and professional accreditations at distinguished institutions such as Alverno College in Milwaukee, WI and Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. She also had a love of teaching and mentoring students, and taught as a college professor for many years at Bradley University in Peoria, IL, Northern Illinois University and OSF Saint Anthony School of Nursing in Rockford.

Additionally, in the course of her life’s work, Diana was honored to work with Vietnam Veterans, being counselor and friend to many of these American heroes.

Diana married Anders John Dahlberg in 1959. He passed away in 1973. She later married John M. McCoy in 1974. He passed away in 1995.

Diana was blessed with a wonderful family who was always at the center of her life. Together, they enjoyed many memorable trips to the Northwoods of Wisconsin, the Florida beaches of Sanibel Island, Siesta Key and varied snow skiing destinations. Diana was well traveled and had the opportunity to visit numerous parts of the world, including Canada, England, Sweden and Norway.

At heart, she was a lover of the simple, most meaningful things in life. Some of her happiest moments were found sitting in the peaceful backyard of her home, soaking in the beauty and serenity of nature while watching the antics of the birds and squirrels that frequented her feeders. Diana will be dearly missed. 

Those left to honor her memory include her children; John K. (Kelly) Dahlberg, Mary (Dr. Earel) Belford of Belvidere, Dr. Thomas K. (Kimberly) Dahlberg of Belvidere, David (Christina) Dahlberg of Hampshire: stepchildren; Leslie (Don) Caldwell of California and Jane (Bill) Baumgart of Colorado: grandchildren; John N. Dahlberg, Dr. Zachary (Lauren) Belford, Benjamin (Esha) Belford, Dr. Ryan Dahlberg, Adam (Casey) Dahlberg, Alexis (Joseph) Gonzini and Jacob Dahlberg: great-grandchildren; Adaline, Annabelle and Logan: step grandchildren; Carrie (Evan) Caldwell-Johnson, Paul (Deanna) Caldwell, Christin Baumgart, Kelsey Baumgart, Madeline (Bo) Baumgart-Rieger and Will Baumgart: step great-grandchildren; Emily, Tucker, Gabriel and Noah. Diana is also survived by her sister, Bernadette Oldham; brother-in-law, Dr. Stephen (Mary Helen) McCoy; and numerous nieces and nephews. Diana is predeceased by her parents, Kendall (Marion) Parker: husbands; Anders John Dahlberg and John McCoy; brother, Bobby Parker; sisters, Patricia (Jack) Jamison and Nancy (Richard) Donnelli; stepson, Jeff McCoy; brothers-in-law, Mickey Oldham and James (Frannie) McCoy; and sister-in-law, Leona (Anthony) Aden.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the loving and caring staff at Bickford of Rockford, The Woodlands At Canterfield, West Dundee, IL, and Alden Estates Memory Care, Huntley IL for their tremendous care and compassion during their time with Diana. 

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 9th, 2025. Both events will be taking place at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108. Burial will conclude in Scandinavian Cemetery, Rockford, IL. Following, a luncheon of fellowship and love in celebration of Diana’s extraordinary life will be held at approximately 2:00 P.M. at Franchesco’s Ristorante, 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, IL.

For those unable to attend services in person, please visit the link here for a live stream option: Diana McCoy service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Diana’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the National Alzheimer’s Association.

Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com