Diane Palachek

Diane Marie Harrahill Palachek, age 68, died in her home in Brighton on June 29th 2021. As she ended her battle with squamous cell skin cancer, she was courageous and loving, surrounded by her family and at peace.

Diane was born December 7th, 1952 in Omaha to Thelma and Jess Harrahill. She attended Omaha South High School, earned a Bachelor's of Music Education at Wayne State College, and a Master's of Music Education at the University of Northern Colorado. Diane shared her love of music to countless students as a high school band and elementary school music teacher. She then met the love of her life, Al Palachek, who she was happily married to for nearly 34 years.

Diane was a grateful 11 year acute myeloid leukemia survivor, and did what she could to provide support to other leukemia patients and survivors. She volunteered with Love Hope Strength to help sign people up for the bone marrow registry and walked Light the Night to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society every year she could. She was also known as disability advocate and primary caregiver for her daughter with special needs, and a devout woman who was active in her churches. Diane is survived by her husband, Al, her daughters Maggie and Merry Faith, her siblings Karen and Jim, two nieces and a nephew (Jasmine, Beth, and Justin), one grandnephew and two grandnieces, cousins, many friends, her bone marrow donor/"brother from another mother" (Jonathan Sweeney), and her beloved dogs (Mozzie and Jasper). The funeral service will be held Monday July 5th at 10am at Horan and McConaty Funeral Home (9998 Grant St, Thornton, CO 80229). Those wishing to honor her legacy are encouraged to join the national bone marrow registry through Love Hope Strength, and donate or volunteer for Love Hope Strength, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, or the Skin Cancer Foundation.