Diana Stark

Diana Stark, 83, of Akron, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 6, 2025.

A graduate of Alliance High School and Kent State University, Diana lived a life filled with kindness, creativity, and curiosity. Over the years, she held many roles, including waitress at Red Lobster, where her dry wit and sharp intellect made her a favorite among regulars, and special education tutor at Cuyahoga Falls High School, where her compassion and dedication touched the lives of countless students.

Diana had a deep appreciation for the arts, especially ballet and other forms of dance. She was a familiar face at EJ Thomas Hall, where she volunteered as an usher. A talented artist herself, she loved to sketch, paint and take photographs, capturing the beauty she saw in nature and everyday life.

Diana was an avid hiker and nature lover. She was active in her local walking club and volunteered with the Metro Parks, finding joy and peace on the trails. Her love for animals, especially cats, was well known to family and friends. She cared for outside cats, building them shelter in cold weather, volunteered at a local cat shelter, and always had a special cat as part of her family.

Born in Alliance, Ohio, to the late Kenneth and Claire Hazen, Diana is survived by her sister, Janifer Zacharski of Brooklyn, CT; niece, Kariena Greiten of Simsbury, CT; nephew, Anthony Zacharski (Tara) of Glastonbury, CT; her grand-nieces and grand-nephews, and her close friends, whom she loved dearly.

Arrangements are being handled by Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Calling hours will be held Thursday, October 9, from 4 to 6 p.m.