Rose Eleanor (Novelli) Dietzen, 82, a lifelong resident of the Dunkirk-Fredonia area, known to her friends as "Ellie" and to her grandchildren as "Gram," died Wednesday afternoon (Oct. 15, 2014) at the Chautauqua County Home.
Born in Dunkirk, NY on May 17, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Gillis V. and Rose Lucille (Jarvis) Novelli.
Mrs. Dietzen graduated in 1950 from Dunkirk High School, where cheerleading was among her favorite activities. Over the years she made many friends in her work as a receptionist/medical records clerk for the late Dr. Ronald A. Passafaro.
In her later years, Mrs. Dietzen worked in real estate, and she served as president of the local chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons.
Her family was the joy of her life. Her grandchildren were delighted when they were fed "ball soup," a family recipe that Ellie handed down to them, and which now delights her great-grandchildren. A generous person, she often surprised family and friends with gifts purchased from her favorite shopping place, the QVC television program. One of her great pleasures in life was hosting family gatherings on holidays.
She was a devoted daughter, and in her mother's advanced years, Ellie spent many hours as loving companion and helper. Her granddaughters Marcy and Michelle, who were extremely close to their Gram, were just as devoted and helpful to her.
Besides her parents, Ellie was predeceased by her husband, Robert Dietzen; her son, Mark W. Speziale; and her daughter-in-law, Bonnie Rowe Speziale.
She is survived by her son, Thomas K. Speziale; her brother, Cornelius "Neil" Novelli; granddaughters Marcy (Allen) Kornowicz, Michelle (Peter) Privitere, and Kelly (Daniel) Billowitz; and great-grandchildren Jacob and Zackary Kornowicz, Sophia Rose and Ava Eleanor Privitere, and Owen Billowitz. Many nieces and nephews also survive.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, October 20, 2014 from 4 p.m. to 7p.m. at the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home in Dunkirk. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10 o'clock in the morning on Tuesday, October 21, 2014 at Holy Trinity Church in Dunkirk. Donations may be made in Ellie's memory to Hospice Chautauqua County, 20 W. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750.
Obituary from the Dunkirk Observer
