Ann Elizabeth Deignan

Ann Elizabeth Deignan, a long-time resident of Glen Ellyn, passed away on August, 8, 2025. Ann was born in Rockford, IL on November 1st, 1938 to Lillian and Leonard Gandolfo. She graduated from the University of Iowa in 1960 where she met her husband Robert E. Deignan, with whom she would share a 59-year marriage. Ann was a middle school teacher in Arlington Heights, IL before starting a family and devoting herself to raising her four children. Later in life, Ann worked as an abuse counselor for women. 

Ann will be remembered for her enthusiasm for Chicago sports teams—particularly the Bears and the Cubs—a love of her garden, her interest in photography, her faith, her passion for the game of golf, her many lifelong friendships, and the joy she took in spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Ann is survived by her sister Antoniette Greenberg, her children Amy Manganelli (Paul), Julie Deignan, Jane Sobolewski (Matt), John Deignan (Anna), and grandchildren Caitlin, Michael, Robert, Leo, Jack, Beatrice, and Danny.

The funeral mass is at St. Petronille Church in Glen Ellyn on October 10, 2025 at 11 am with a Celebration of Life immediately following at the Lake Ellyn Boathouse.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Evans Scholars Foundation online through https://wgaesf.org/ or by mail to 2501 Patriot Boulevard, Glenview, IL 60026-8022. For more information please call Leonard Memorial Home at (630) 469-0032.

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