Diane M. McAllister, 80, Anchorage, Ky.

Diane M. McAllister peacefully passed from this life on December 12, 2023, to be forever reunited with her beloved husband, Don, in God’s embrace.

Diane was born June 27, 1943, in the rural countryside of Jasper, Ind., to Austin Sr. and Barbara (Haas) Matthews and was the oldest of their 11 children. Her humble beginnings and steadfast determination for a fulfilling future led Diane to a life of service.

She was a graduate of Jasper High School and the St. Joseph Infirmary School of Nursing in Louisville, Kentucky. Diane had a rewarding career in nursing, and as a surgical nurse, she met and married the love of her life, Dr. Donald T. McAllister. Together they formed a unique 22-year bond that Diane maintained in her heart even after his death in 2014.

Diane loved her family and loved her friends like family. She shared her husband’s passion for football and his alma mater Notre Dame and retained special relationships with many friends met during their university visits. Diane may have been petite in stature, but she was a powerhouse of activity and strength. Diane completed several mini-marathons and marathons, including the challenging Boston and New York with her husband, but her strongest performance captured a gratifying 5th place Women’s Division finish in Louisville. Whether hitting the road on the back of Don’s Harley Davidson or taking a Land Cruiser on a Serengeti safari, Diane and Don traveled the world together North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, with a visit to the Holy Land led by Rev. Dan Groody of Notre Dame being one of Diane’s most memorable trips. Her happy place was San Jose del Cabo where they spent winter months enjoying the warmth and sun.

Diane was an avid and accomplished gardener. Her meticulous and skillful horticultural talents were shared both at her home gardens, which were featured in several garden tours, and countless hours dedicated to maintaining the public-area gardens in the City of Anchorage as a member of the Anchorage Garden Club, and the Anchorage Botanical Society which she founded. She also generously served more than 20 years on the Anchorage Forestry Board, including eight years as its chair, with intense focus on maintaining and growing the city’s tree canopy.

Following Don’s passing, Diane became involved with Fr. Groody’s efforts to create awareness of and combat human trafficking. Her love of travel, adventure, and discovery took on a new path with trips to cities across the United States, cooking classes in Italy, and cruises throughout Europe and the Greek Isles with her many lady friends. Diane delighted in life, enjoyed a superb meal with a respectable wine, and loved all things sparkly, from the jewelry and clothing she wore down to the polish on her nails, and ‘sparkly’ encapsulated her personality.

Diane’s legacy of service, dedication, and love for family, friends, and community will be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Preceding Diane in death were her parents, husband, her daughter Lisa Yaden, two sisters Mary Holst and Brenda Wolf, and two brothers John Matthews and Austin Matthews, Jr.

She is survived by her sister Patti Cacioppo (Richard), Omaha, NE; brothers Robert Matthews (Barbara), Ferdinand, IN; Kenneth Matthews (Mary), Loogootee, IN; Richard Matthews, FL; Paul Matthews, FL; Mark Matthews, Jasper, IN; and Don’s five children: Maureen McAllister, Louisville, KY; Shannon McAllister, Louisville, KY; Kelli McAllister Bailey, Tetonia, ID; Michael McAllister, Louisville, KY; and Kevin Murphy McAllister (Katie), Louisville, KY; 12 grandchildren: Kailey McAllister, Aidan McAllister, Blake McAllister, Trevor McAllister, Quinn Bailey, Juliet Bailey, Tommy Richardson, Aubrey Richardson, Elise Richardson, Christopher Richardson, Caroline Rogers, and Allison Rogers, nieces and nephews, and numerous friends.

Visitation will be 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Cathedral of the Assumption 433 S. Fifth St Louisville, KY 40202. Diane’s funeral mass will be at 2:00 pm, Saturday, December 16, 2023, at the Cathedral of the Assumption Catholic with private entombment beside her husband in Cedar Grove Cemetery on the Notre Dame campus.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Don and Diane McAllister Faith and Justice Fund in memory of Diane McAllister. Gifts may be made online at giving.nd.edu, by phone at 574-631-5150, or by mail: University of Notre Dame, Department of Development, 1100 Grace Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556.