Jane Diane Voneida

ROCKFORD - Jane Diane Voneida, also known as, Diane Voneida, age 74, former Community Development Director for the City of Rockford, Illinois, died at her home in Rockford on November 6, 2018.  She spent her professional career in public service helping improve the lives of low income families living in inner city neighborhoods.

Diane earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in English literature and Urban Studies from Dickinson College, Shippensburg University, and the University of New Orleans.  She completed post graduate work at the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University and, through a John J. McCoy fellowship, in the former Federal Republic of Germany.

In 1990, Ms. Voneida was elected President of the National Community Development Association, a Washington DC-based professional organization for community development officials serving cities throughout the United States.  She also served on the Board of Directors for that organization, as well as on the Board of the Community Development Training Institute, an affiliated national think tank.

Ms. Voneida was President of Voneida and Associates, a private consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and affordable housing development.

Ms. Voneida was predeceased by her parents, R. LeRoy and Jane Voneida.  She is survived by her brother, David, and sister-in-law, Nancy, of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.  There will be a "Celebration of Life" at the University Club of Rockford, 945 N. Main Street, Rockford, IL 61103 on Saturday, December 1, 2018, from 1:30 to 3:30 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Friends of the Coronado Foundation, 314 North Main Street, Rockford, IL 61101 or the YMCA of Rock River Valley for the Partners with Youth program, 200 Y Blvd., Rockford, IL 61107. Christenson Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

www.rockfordfunerals.com