Cynthia Dianne Szarek

Cynthia Dianne Szarek, lovingly known as Dianne, passed away on May 30, 2026, at the age of 79. She was born on April 11, 1947, in Monroe, Louisiana. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00AM Thursday, June 4, 2026, in the chapel of Mulhearn Funeral Home Monroe with Rev. Warren Eckhardt officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00AM until service time Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the funeral home.

Dianne spent her life devoted to her family, friends, and career. She lived in Monroe, Louisiana; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Vienna, Virginia, in Fairfax County. Throughout most of her professional life, she worked as an executive secretary, a role that reflected her intelligence, dedication, and organizational talents. She concluded her career at St. Francis Hospital, where she retired after many years of faithful service.

Dianne was married to Robert J. Szarek (Bob), and together they enjoyed traveling the world, creating memories and experiencing new places and cultures. Her adventures enriched her life, but no destination ever meant more to her than being surrounded by those she loved.

Dianne’s greatest joy in life was her family, especially her three beloved grandchildren: Chelsea Renee Lewis Belbase, Parker Todd Holloway, and Victoria Mya Holloway. There was rarely a day that passed when she did not proudly tell a story about her son Todd or one of her grandchildren. They were the center of her world, and she loved them more than words could express.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Lou V. Parker Warner Patterson May; her father, Johnnie Maloy Warner; her beloved stepfather, Arnold Gray Patterson, affectionately known as “Daddy Pat”; her sister, Rita G. Warner Tucker; and her nephew, “Rip” Dennis Maloy Warner.

She is survived by her only son, Mark Todd Holloway, and daughter-in-law, Rebecca H. Holloway; her brother, Dr. Dennis M. Warner; her sister, Martha Lynn Patterson Rambin and husband John; her niece, Whitney Warner Gladden; her nephews, Dane Warner and Patrick Canizaro; and her cherished grandchildren, Chelsea Renee Lewis Belbase, Parker Todd Holloway, and Victoria Mya Holloway.

Dianne will be remembered for her warmth, her devotion to family, her pride in the accomplishments of her loved ones, and her ability to make every conversation feel personal and meaningful. Her legacy lives on through the family she cherished and the countless lives she touched with her kindness and love.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to ACG Hospice for their compassionate care, support, and guidance during Dianne’s final journey. Todd would especially like to thank RN Darlene and Candy for their kindness, professionalism, and unwavering support throughout this process.

Todd would also like to express his sincere appreciation to everyone who was part of the Memory Care Ward at Avalon Place. The love, patience, dignity, and compassionate care shown to Dianne meant more to the family than words can express. Your kindness provided comfort during a difficult time and helped make Dianne’s days brighter. The family will always be grateful for the friendships, support, and exceptional care she received.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Disease Research.

One of the deepest loves of Dianne’s life was for her mother, whom she missed dearly every day. She often spoke of her and carried her memory close to her heart. It brings comfort to her family to know that she is now reunited with her mother, walking hand in hand with her once again in Heaven.

Though she is no longer with us, her memory will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

“Those we love never truly leave us. They live on in the stories we tell, the memories we share, and the love they planted in our hearts.”