Diana Fernandez

Diana was born on February 7th, 1947 in Caracas, Venezuela to Senator Carlos Zavarce and Josefina Garmendia. She studied Mechanical Engineering at La Universidad Central in Venezuela, and went on to marry her college sweetheart, Jorge Fernandez, on January 3rd, 1968.

Along with her late husband, she left behind a lasting legacy in the form of their family. They dedicated their lives to raising 8 children: Maria Ines (Tim), Jorge Ignacio (Mayra), Mariano, Carlos (Brenda), Diana (Alberto), Marian (Matt), Laura, and Alfonso (Grace), who went on to have (so far) 35 children of their own, collectively. She was distinctly proud of having achieved great-grandmother status when little Lila was born.

Her joys in life were her grandchildren, her pets, and her books. Nothing warmed her heart more than the regular Friday visits, where half the family would just show up to hang out. She loved playing with the little ones…games like Monkeys on the Bed or Wolf in the Forest…teaching the kids how to play rummy…directing operations while a little army of helpers decorated the house for Halloween or Christmas. I doubt any of us will forget the way she hung her garlands, her fantastic Bethlehem displays, or those special “Mickey Mouse” ornament clusters we’d put on the tree.

Tata was a distinctly creative soul. Sewing dresses for school plays, putting together impromptu costumes for Halloween, gathering the kids around the table to paint wood dolls. She worked magic in the kitchen, turning literally anything into the best meal you’ve ever tried. Many of us have particularly fond memories of her meatballs (albondigas), hallacas, ham bread (pan de jamon). We also recall gathering around the table, learning how to make arepas (and stealing the masa) and shaping them however we wanted. She will be sorely missed.

The Funeral Mass will be at St. Mary of the Angels on Tuesday, November 25th 2025, at 10AM, followed by interment at All Saints Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to The Women’s Centers of Greater Chicagoland (pregnancy crisis centers) would be appreciated.