Diane Marie Bladecki

Diane Bladecki was born and raised in New Carlisle, Indiana, where she was the youngest of five.  She played basketball as a point guard for New Prairie and was proud to say she’d challenge anyone to a game of horse, and often did.  She loved growing up in a big family and was especially attached to her many nieces and nephews.  She made every attempt to share her family history and Polish heritage with friends and family alike.

In her early twenties, she moved to New York where she sold fine art and later opened her own retail business in Princeton, NJ.  In 2001, she closed her business to dedicate her time to photography and art.  Her photographs of the attack on the World Trade Center were included in the book Here Is New York: A Democracy of Photographs.  For twelve years, Diane’s focus and mission were to capture on film the humanity, grace, and dignity of those imprisoned for crimes they did not commit. This work culminated in an art show called “I Am Innocent”, a moving and interactive look at wrongful conviction.  Her work was featured on Dateline, in People Magazine and other national publications. 

Diane could talk to anyone and she genuinely listened. She loved hearing people’s stories and appreciated their authenticity.  She pushed people out of their comfort zones and provided safe spaces for them to try new things.  Filled with an insatiable curiosity, she loved to learn about the gifts of others and encouraged them to share these gifts with the world.  She was devoted to family, always at the center of organizing fun.  A talented artist, gifted chef and gardener, she loved creating gatherings around tables of bountiful food, creating new friends and wide-spread fellowship. 

Diane fought cancer like a warrior for nearly four years. With a bucket full of faith and mental agility she triumphed over wicked side effects.  She beat cancer every day, reaching new heights of creativity, connection and generosity. She extracted every joy from each day and shared it selflessly.  She spent most of her life, and especially her last years, living life to the fullest.  So many people are better because of her bravery, tenacity and endless spirit. The rich and beautiful life she shared with so many will continue to shine through.

Diane is preceded in death by her parents, Anthony “Tony” and Anna “Annie” (Banul) Bladecki; and two sisters, Catherine Jaronik; and Chris DeLater. She is survived by her wife Susan Spikes of Newark, NJ, her sister Eileen Esposito of New Carlisle, IN, her brother Richard (Laura) Bladecki of New Carlisle, and many nieces, nephews and their children.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to https://www.pinkribbongood.org/bladecki-in-memoriam (https://www.pinkribbongood.org/bladecki-in-memoriam)

A Rosary will be prayed at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN, followed by visitation until 11:30 a.m. and a Celebration of Life Service at 11:30 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home.

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