Angela Del Vecchio, age 99, of Ann Arbor, Michigan passed away on Sunday, September 26, 2021. Angela was born December 14, 1921 in Chicago, Illinois to Giuseppe & Hilde Del Vecchio. She is preceded in death by her parents Giuseppe and Hilde, her brothers Dominic and Chester, and her sister-in-law Agnes Ruth. Angela is survived by her sisters-in-law Violet Del Vecchio and Joanne Del Vecchio. Dominic’s six children; Linda (Jim) Hendrixson, Michael (Christine), Dominic Jr. (Laurie), Steven (Terry), Theresa (Nick) Gaudio, Donna (Vito) Iovino. Chester’s six children; Robert (Mary), Chester, Joseph (Sharon), Mary Rogus, Kathleen (Randy) Degani, Julie. She also was the loving great and great-great-aunt to many nieces and nephews.
Angela grew up in Chicago where she attended St. Luke’s Nursing school. There, she began her journey of pursuing her love of Nursing. She continued her education with a B.S.Ed from the University of Chicago and M.A. and M.Ed. from Teachers College, Columbia University. Angela loved teaching and inspiring young nurses. She treasured the science of caring and teaching new nurses how to use it in their career. She trained multiple generations of nurses at the University of Cincinnati, Evanston Hospital School of Nursing, Columbia University, Michael Reese Hospital, Loyola University School of Nursing, Purdue, and the University of Michigan. During her time at Purdue, she developed and inaugurated the ADN program. She also served as the chairperson for the BSN program at Purdue. When she started teaching at the University of Michigan, she found her home in the community of Ann Arbor. In 2001, Angela was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Purdue University for her contributions to the Purdue University School of Nursing and to the nursing profession as a whole. Not only did Angela's teaching and care shape the futures of many nurses, she continued to also provide support financially to nursing students with the creation of endowments in her name at both Purdue University and the University of Michigan. An avid lifelong learner, she attended education offerings and hospital grand rounds well into her nineties. Her passionate love for her profession inspired many of her nieces and great-nieces to pursue nursing careers. Her loving encouragement has been the driving force behind their own nursing journeys.
Angela was also a dedicated friend, especially to those in her cul-de-sac who took loving care of her by including her in their lives and holidays and looking out for her. Angela never forgot a birthday, holiday, or important event in her loved ones' lives. She was very active in the Alumni Association in Ann Arbor, supporting her former colleagues by attending events and presentations. Many described her as the life of the party, always ready with her sharp wit and ability to make anyone feel special and attended to. She loved the arts, reading, and volunteering many hours at the Clements Library. She cared about preserving history, volunteering her time at the Cobblestone Farm Museum.
Angela was an active and dedicated member of the Saint Mary’s Student Parish and often volunteered in parish activities. She generously supported multiple Catholic charities.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the University of Michigan School of Nursing, Purdue School of Nursing, and Catholic Charities.
The family would like to thank the nursing staff in the Emergency room and the Intensive care unit at the University of Michigan who treated her with kindness, dignity, and love. They would also like to thank the doctors who respected her wishes for her care and Father Lou for his wonderful prayers and singing voice.
A visitation for Angela will be held Saturday, October 9, 2021 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Montclair-Lucania Funeral Home, 6901 West Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60634. A chapel service will occur Saturday, October 9, 2021 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 6901 West Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60634. A committal & interment will occur Saturday, October 9, 2021 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1400 S. Wolf Road, Hillside, IL 60162.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.montclair-lucaniafuneral.com for the Del Vecchio family.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18