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
Juan G Cora says:
April 29, 2022
Juan G Cora says:
April 29, 2022
My deepest sympathies and condolences to the Wilkinson family. May you find strength in this difficult time.
Juan Cora
The Kilander Family says:
April 29, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family as you walk this difficult journey. Diana was an inspiration to so many and she is in our thoughts daily. Her faith and her family meant everything to her and she lives on through you. She will be missed by so many whose lives she touched. Rest In Peace Mrs Wilkinson!
Dennis McDonough says:
April 29, 2022
Allison Hawks says:
April 29, 2022
Mrs. Wilkinson became not only a teacher, but a mother figure to me. She had a heart that loved me so well and pushed me to be the best version of myself. One thing I hold close to my heart is the way she loved our Mother Mary so deeply, and it was in each encounter I had with her that I was able to truly encounter the face of Jesus and Mary. What a gift it was to be seen, known, and loved by Mrs. Wilkinson. Forever in my heart, Allison Hawks
Sylvia Pratt says:
May 15, 2022
Diana.. Our family will miss you dearly! So many great memories throughout the years at Serra Catholic! You being a dedicated teacher regardless of what the circumstances were. Our friendship! Dominique and Megan being best friends in elementary/middle school. The half day Fridays when you were still working and Megan would come home with us. I remember when you were pregnant with your son, Girl Scouts, birthday parties, I could go on and on….you will be missed dearly but never be forgotten! We will always love you and your family!! Thoughts and Prayers forever!!!