Adele "Dellie" DiGiovanna

Adele Mary Allain DiGiovanna, 86, of Glen Ellyn, IL, formerly of Palm Harbor, FL and Plymouth, MN, died on Oct 29, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.

Dellie, the daughter of the late Stephen and Caroline Allain was born in New Orleans, LA. She attended St. Louis University where she met Joe, her husband of 59 years; she graduated in 1961 with a degree in Physical Therapy. Dellie and Joe were soon married and had 3 children, Joe Jr., Cathy and Julie.

She was the family manager during multiple moves across the Midwest in support of Joe's career. She suspended her own career to raise her family, returning to her profession in 1974.

In 1984, she acquired Wayzata Physical Therapy in Wayzata, MN as owner/therapist and led its substantial growth over the next 16 years. A merger with NovaCare Rehab allowed her to ascend to a national management position until her retirement in 2000.

She maintained continuous engagement in both state and national affairs within the APTA (American Physical Therapy Association), including terms as President of the Minnesota chapter as well as a seat on the National Board of Directors.

Dellie and Joe, Sr. spent the next 16 years as winter residents of Palm Harbor, FL, where she volunteered with Suncoast Hospice of Palm Harbor. Dellie and Joe became full time residents of Florida in 2016. Dellie made a final move to Glen Ellyn, IL in 2024 to be nearer to her daughters.

Dellie was an active lifelong learner and lover of The Arts; she especially loved the opera as evidenced by her tendency to listen to Pavarotti at high volumes. She traveled the world in pursuit of art, culture and history. She was an ardent baseball and football fan who vocally supported her teams. Dellie's remaining time was spent with and for family and friends. She was always happiest whenever there were babies about as she was the most eager, enthusiastic and superlative of grandmothers. She adored her grandchildren above all.

Dellie was of strong faith and was a servant to Christ through her roles as church lector and lay preacher. She will be remembered by many for her limitless heart, with an extraordinary ability to make anyone in her presence smile and feel welcome.

She is preceded in death by her husband Joseph, Sr., parents Stephen and Caroline Allain and brothers Albert and Paul Allain. She is survived by her children Joe DiGiovanna, Jr. (Lucy), Cathy Yaniz (Jim) and Julie, grandchildren Emily, Matthew, and Jackson, special friends Mary Ann Dallas and David Johnston, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. She had a profound influence on all who were fortunate to know her.

Memorial Mass at 10:00 AM on Thursday, November 06 at St. James the Apostle Catholic Church, 480 S Park Blvd, Glen Ellyn, IL.

Celebrations of Life to follow in Florida and Minnesota at future dates. Please continue to check the obituary service details for the dates to be added later.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Lighthouse Hospice of Downers Grove, IL are preferred.

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