Diane A. Hines, age 69, passed away on Monday, March 28, 2011 surrounded by her family at her home in Urbana, IL. She found a peaceful end after a prolonged battle with bone cancer.

Diane was the eldest child of Dr. Vynce A. Hines (deceased) and Lillian M. Hines of Urbana, IL. She is survived by her mother, her adopted daughter and granddaughter, as well as her younger brother, Robert Hines of Salem, VA. Diane attended the University of Florida (B.Ed) and University of Illinois (M.Ed). A retired teacher, Diane's passion was as an educator and advocate for all children. The most influential book she read was "The Throw Away Child." She taught for 30 years at Weber and King elementary schools, educating and nurturing generations of Kindergarten through second grade students. She made a difference in myriads of children's lives, demonstrated by her continued close contact with many of her former students.

Not one to stay still, Diane was active in numerous community organizations and groups, including serving as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children in the legal system and volunteering for multiple years with Habitat for Humanity. She also loved to travel and visited all 50 states. An avid photographer, she enjoyed photographing the places she visited along with her friends and family.

As everyone who knew her can attest, Diane was an animal lover. She had many pets - too many to list - and she would have had more except the neighbors had labeled her home "the cat house" and her nephews poked loving fun at her.

Diane was a diehard Florida Gators, Fighting Illini, and Chicago Bulls/Bears/Cubs fan. She enjoyed cheering for her teams when they were winning and stuck with them when they were losing. The Hines family will host a visitation on Thursday, March 31, 2011 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory in Urbana, IL. Graveside services will be held in Gainesville, FL, date and time to be determined.