Audrey W. DiTella

    Audrey W. DiTella, age 91, passed away on March 4, 2026. She was born on February 27, 1935, in Oak Park, Illinois.

    Audrey married Arthur M. DiTella on April 12, 1958, in LaGrange, Illinois. They shared 29 happy years together before his passing on December 11, 1987. Together they were blessed with six children: Allen, Jackie, Byron, Donna, Susan, and Julie.

    In 1971, the family moved to Mishawaka in search of a simpler life. They purchased a fixer-upper farm where they raised their children and cared for a wide variety of animals. Audrey embraced every challenge that came her way—learning to garden, can vegetables, make home repairs, and raise chickens, goats, rabbits, pigs, and steers. Her greatest joy was cooking and caring for her family and friends.

    Although Audrey lost her husband Art at a young age to Muscular Dystrophy, and later lost her daughters Donna and Julie to the same disease, she maintained a deep Catholic faith and a strong spirit. She remained an inspiration to her family through her final days. Even when rheumatoid arthritis caused constant pain and severely limited her mobility, Audrey continued to serve her family and church community with dedication.

    Audrey was an active member of Queen of Peace Parish for more than 50 years, where she served as the parish secretary and also played the organ for a number of years.

   She is survived by her children, Allen DiTella, Jackie DiTella, Byron DiTella, and Susan (Scott) Johnson; her grandson, Nicholas (Kelsey) Johnson; and her great-granddaughter, Olivia. Audrey is also lovingly remembered by her sister-in-law Elaine Long, son-in-law Chris Rehmel, and nieces Siena (Bob) Stockwell and Terry (Don) Debaker, as well as her niece Linda Linich.

   She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Arthur; and her daughters, Donna and Julie Rehmel.

   A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM, in Queen of Peace Catholic Church, with visitation one hour prior in the church. Burial is to follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Queen of Peace Church.

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