Ad Book 2017

2017
Patricia Makris Memorial Award
In January of 1981, the Reverend Diane C. Johnson accepted the call to be the Pastor
of the Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Cicero. Growing up in a small town-farming community
in Minnesota, Cicero was a big city to Diane. As she took on her pastoral position
and began getting to know her congregation and new community, she was encouraged to
contact Pat Makris from The Children’s Center. Diane was told she needs to meet Pat because
she is “a mover and a shaker”.
Diane made an appointment to see Pat. The way Pat was described, Diane was a bit
nervous. She found her to be friendly, open and down to earth. Pat gave her a tour of the
Grant Works site. Diane began coming to the annual dinners and met other staff and volunteers
at The Children’s Center. These ties to the Children’s Center were strengthened in
2001 when Clement Presbyterian Church, home of the Grants Work site, asked her to serve
as their part-time Pastor, splitting her time between Gethsemane and Clement. Diane C.
Johnson has always been dedicated, kind and helping in every way to The Children’s Center.
Inspired by the commitment and enthusiasm of Pat and others, Diane became involved
with the community. She joined the Girl Scouts, serving on the Board and working
on the cookie sales with troops. She became the President of the Board of the Cicero-Berwyn-
Stickney Food Pantry when it was incorporated in 1989. She was active in the Interfaith
Leadership Project and the Neighborhood Center of Cicero. She serves on the Board of Directors
for Family Service of Cicero, Rotary Club of Cicero-Berwyn-Stickney, and Riverside
Branch of AAUW. At church, she has touched the lives of many young people through Bible
School, youth group activities and summer camp, and teaching confirmation classes.
This “all” brings us to the present; Reverend Diane C. Johnson is the Pastor of the
Gethsemane Lutheran Church. In addition to her relationship with The Children’s Center of
Cicero-Berwyn, she has involved herself in the Cicero community for over 36 years. She has
dedicated time to local organizations involving children, families in need, and seniors.
We are proud to present the
2017 Patricia Makris Memorial Award
To Reverend Diane C. Johnson
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