| Bio | Diana Sullivan Brewer
12/04/1941 - 07/04/2025
Diana Sullivan Brewer, 83, of Gilbert, Arizona, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025, just weeks after the passing of her beloved husband of 53 years, Larry Brewer.
Born in Independence, Missouri, to Thomas (Herb) and Mary Sullivan, Diana graduated from Van Horn High School, where she formed lifelong friendships and remained actively involved in reunions, staying in touch with classmates for decades. She went on to attend the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg before beginning a career as a court reporter.
After marrying Larry, the couple raised two children, Jennifer Callahan (Sean) and Tom Brewer (Brandy). In the 1980s, Diana and Larry owned and operated a group of restaurants in Kansas City, where she was known for her sharp mind, strong leadership, and steady hand in business. Later, she brought that experience to her role at Johnson County Community College, where she worked first in admissions and later in student services. Diana was deeply committed to helping young people chart their path and find the confidence to pursue their goals.
In 2003, Diana and Larry moved to Arizona and made their home in the Trilogy community at Power Ranch. It was there that Diana truly thrived in retirement. She joined two beloved dance troupes, the Trilogy Tappers and the Sadie Kat Stompers, bringing her energy and rhythm to every performance. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, Diana was a natural leader. She had a gift for organizing people, solving problems, and making things happen. If there was a need, Diana filled it. If something was broken, she fixed it or found the person who could.
Diana also stepped into her “Super Grandma” era with love and enthusiasm, helping to raise Micheal and Megan in their early years. From school runs to soccer games, she was always there, often with a cape, literally. When a last-minute make-up game was scheduled and several players didn’t have their equipment ready, Diana sprang into action. She rushed Micheal’s uniform to school just in time for the game. He scored a goal that day, and she never let him forget it. Moments like these defined her Arizona years, full of purpose, laughter, and unwavering devotion to her family.
Diana and Larry also shared a deep love for travel. Alongside their dear friends Lonnie and Rita, Jim and Sandy, affectionately known as “the Big Six,” they explored the world together. From the beaches of Mexico to the mountains of South America, from European cities to national parks across the United States, and even to Egypt where they marveled at the Great Pyramids, their adventures were filled with laughter, discovery, and memories that spanned decades. These journeys were some of the most joyful chapters of Diana’s life.
She formed an especially close circle of friends at Trilogy, women who became her chosen family. From rehearsals and events to potlucks, parties, and long conversations over coffee or wine, these friendships were a constant source of joy, laughter, and connection. Diana gave as much as she got, and those who knew her felt the full force of her loyalty, quick wit, and unshakable presence.
A lifelong fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, Diana never missed a game and relished every moment of the team’s recent success. She cheered loudly and proudly in her red and gold.
Diana is survived by her two children and their spouses, and five grandchildren: Miles Brewer (Madison), Rachel Brewer, Henry Brewer, Micheal Callahan, and Megan Callahan. She is also survived by Micheal’s fiancée, Haylee, whose upcoming wedding Diana joyfully anticipated but heartbreakingly did not live to attend.
She will be remembered for her fierce devotion to family, her deep friendships, her vibrant spirit, and the countless lives she brightened with her kindness, humor, and quiet strength. She loved a good pun, and her timing was always sharp, whether delivering a one-liner or planning a perfectly executed surprise. In her honor, it feels only right to say: she danced through life with style, sass, and just the right amount of sole.
Private services will be held.
Please join with me in sending the family and friends of Diana’s our deepest condolences for their loss. Diana and I kept in touch through emails and she will and is missed by me for sure. I will miss all her travel photos and lovely information about what she has been doing to keep busy since moving to AZ. Rest in Peace Diana. |
