Diana Cecilia Wilkinson
August 16, 1963 - April 26, 2022
Mission Viejo, California
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Diana Cecilia Wilkinson
August 16, 1963 - April 26, 2022
Mission Viejo, California
Obituary
Diana Wilkinson died in her home Tuesday, April 26th surrounded by her loved ones after a two-year long battle with cancer. She was 58 years old. Diana is survived by her husband Thomas, her four children Gabi, Meagan, Anna, and Tommy as well as her two siblings Juan and Jacqueline and their families.
She was born in New York, to parents Jorge and Cecilia Camacho. At a young age, her family moved out West. Diana fell in love with Southern California and never left. She graduated from El Toro High School in 1982 and went on to earn her Bachelor’s in International Business and Masters in Instructional Leadership.
Though we all know Diana by her love of teaching, it was a job in Accounting at BAX that introduced her to Thomas. They were married in 1994, and Diana soon after found her passion in teaching. She made her home in St. Serra Catholic School where she taught elementary and middle school for 20 years until her battle with cancer made it impossible to continue. Even then she squeezed in a few more days. Although she primarily taught math and science, she will be remembered for instilling love and loyalty to Mother Mary through the rosary.
Diana was so many things to so many different people. She was a cheerleader in the stands, a thoughtful listener over the phone, an enthusiastic travel partner, an incredible cook, a volunteer in the Church, a member of the prayer group, and the teacher who always believed in her students. She was generous with her love for others and believed in integrity and respect as true markers of success.
In the end, she was open and vulnerable about her battle with cancer. She scarcely wore wigs because she was unashamed of the way she changed in fighting the disease. She shared anecdotes from treatment and the prayers that gave her strength to encourage others who were disheartened by her own pain. She didn’t hide her suffering, but rather acknowledged it and still chose faith in the throes of it. We often say that if Diana isn’t in Heaven now, what hope is there for the rest of us? So in her memory, we allow ourselves to know pain and fear and sorrow as an opportunity to still choose joy and faith and love.
Vigil Service
- Date & Time: May 2, 2022 (7:00 PM)
- Venue: Holy Trinity Catholic Church
- Location: 1600 Corporate Drive Ladera Ranch, CA 92694 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (949) 218-3131
Funeral Mass
- Date & Time: May 3, 2022 (1:00 PM)
- Venue: Holy Trinity Catholic Church
- Location: 1600 Corporate Drive Ladera Ranch, CA 92694 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (949) 218-3131
Graveside Service
- Date & Time: May 3, 2022 (3:00 PM)
- Venue: Ascension Cemetery
- Location: 24754 Trabuco Road Lake Forest, CA 92630 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (949) 837-1331
No Charities & Donations
84 responses to Diana Cecilia Wilkinson
Richard & Louise Valdez says:
April 29, 2022
Diana, you were a woman of virtue who walked so beautifully even through the darkness. You gave us an incredible glimpse into the heart, mind, and soul of a true disciple of God. We will forever cherish your love and your family. Our hearts are broken but your smile will shine on forever!
Holy God we praise You for Diana, may the Sacred Heart of your Son Jesus, and the Immaculate Heart of Mary welcome her into Paradise. Eternal Rest our little angel. Our love, The Valdez Family
Cynthia Cusani says:
April 29, 2022
Jill Escalante says:
May 15, 2022
Our thoughts & prayers are with the Wilkinson Family! We are so sorry for the loss of Diana. God Bless! 🙏 The Escalante Family
Corey Lindabury says:
April 29, 2022
The Gilmore Family says:
April 29, 2022
Our son was blessed to have you teach him Religion in Middle School. You encouraged him on the daily and helped build his confidence and uniquely understood him from the moment you met him. He always said you were his favorite teacher at St Serra. You have a direct line to heaven Mrs Wilkinson. You are a light and a true blessing and gift to all of our children that were able to be teached by you and to all of us parents that got the privilege of seeing first hand the difference that our teachers can make in our childrens lives. God Bless You and your family. Holding you all close to our hearts during this difficult time. Thank you. Until we meet again in his glorious kingdom. God Bless.
Mary Mack says:
April 29, 2022
Our hearts are sad at the loss of this amazing person but we feel great gratitude for having experienced her light and love. Thank you, Diana, for making the world a better place and for leaving us all changed for the letter by your faith and example. Much love, The Mack Family