Diane Igoe Mnookin, 78, died January 7, 2017, at Kansas City Hospice House. Mrs. Mnookin was born Oct. 11, 1938, in Ft. Wayne, Ind., and had lived in the Kansas City area throughout her life. She graduated from Liberty High School and the Research Hospital School of Nursing in 1959. After working in several fields of nursing, she became a psychiatric nurse specializing in substance abuse treatment and for 16 years served as Executive Director of an outpatient treatment program until her retirement in 1991. During her career, she consulted and served with numerous organizations relating to health care planning and the treatment of addictions.

Those who knew Diane appreciated her generosity of spirit and her sense of humor. She firmly believed that one must have at least one good laugh every day and to always see the humor in life. . .even in the tough times.

Diane was a wonderful big sister and friend. She had a great sense of humor and is in a better place with her daughter, Stephanie, finally together, laughing again.

Diane was a member of Temple Israel, The New Reform Temple, Oakwood Country Club, the Society of Fellows of the Nelson Atkins Museum and an Honorary Fellow of the Truman Museum and Library. She was preceded in death by parents, Vincent and June Igoe, her beloved husband, Donald Mnookin, in 2015, and her cherished daughter, Stephanie Mnookin, who passed away in 2006. Diane is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Vincent (Mike) and Diane Igoe, Leawood, Kan.; her niece, Carol Igoe Amiri and children, Vincent and Elizabeth, Leawood, Kan.; nephew, Christopher Igoe and wife Dana and children, Preston and Jackson, Kansas City; nephew, Louis Igoe, New York; the Norman Arnell family, Overland Park, Kan.; other cousins and many friends.

Service will be Wednesday, Jan. 11, at McGilley State Line Chapel, Kansas City, Mo. Visitation from 1-2 p.m. followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m. Burial at Rosehill Cemetery, 69th and Troost, Kansas City. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Research Foundation, Scholarships for Nursing Students, 2316 E. Meyer Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64132, or to the charity of your choice . The family further suggests that you raise a glass and do five minutes of stand-up comedy in Diane's memory. Condolences may be left at mcgilleystatelinechapel.com Arr.: McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO 64145 (816) 942-6180. McGilley State Line Chapel, Dignity Memorial

Published in Kansas City Star on Jan. 8, 2017

From Research Hospital Foundation: 

Diane was a proud member of Research School of Nursing Class of 1959 and regularly contributed to the special fund her class had created.  The class of 1959 Scholarship Fund, celebrated their 50th Reunion in 2009.  Each year, since 2009, a student has been selected to receive a scholarship  thanks to the generosity of Diane and her 1959 classmates.   

Diane dedicated her professional career to nursing and gave generously to help future nursing students obtain nursing degree.  We feel very fortunate for her support and the example she set for future alumni.