Kenna Lee Diaz, 79, of Springfield, passed away Wednesday, April 2, 2025. She was born on December 14, 1945, in Peoria, IL, daughter of Kenneth and Juanita (Horn) Doerr.

She is survived by her daughter, Heather Schwartz of Springfield; nephew, Kenneth “Jake” (Katy) Bitner of Boston, MA; great-nephew, Kenny Bitner and great-niece, Joanna Bitner both of Boston, MA.

She is preceded in death by her parents and infant son, Cesar William Diaz.

Kenna graduated from Bradley University with high honors and started her career as a teacher at Richwoods High School in Peoria, IL. She ran the Migrant Head Start Program in Princeville, IL. She then retired as a social worker at the State of Illinois in the Department of Children and Family Services.

Kenna was a faithful member of St. Aloysius Church. Kenna loved running, especially with Abe’s Army. She loved playing cards and games with her friends. Kenna also enjoyed socializing and making new friends anywhere she went.

Visitation: 9:00 am – 11:00 am, Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield.

Funeral Mass: 11:30 am, Saturday, April 5, 2025, at St. Aloysius Church with Rev. Brendan Gibson officiating.

Graveside Service: 10:00 am, Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at Swan Lake Memorial Garden in Peoria, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mary Bryant Home for the Blind.

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