Elaine Dietz (nee Strong) was born in Dover, NJ on December 2nd, 1945 and was embraced in God’s loving arms on January 12th, 2018. She was the daughter of Howard and Irene Strong. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Donald Dietz, son Daniel (Amy) Dietz, grandchildren Olivia, Hadley and Juliette, as well as sister Joyce (George) Ball. Elaine leaves behind many beloved family members, including sister-in-law Diann (Roger) Fischer, brother-in-law Daniel (Carol) Dietz and many dear nieces, nephews and their growing families.

Don and Elaine met while working together in a supermarket in 1963. Shortly after, Elaine’s career took her to Bell Labs, where she worked as a secretary while they dated and married. In 1977, Don and Elaine moved to Ohio and she continued her administrative career at Ohio Bell until Dan was born. Elaine wholeheartedly embraced the role of motherhood, running their household with love, compassion and pride.

Elaine was quick to lend a hand to any friend, family member or neighbor in need. She was an active supporter of Wadsworth City Schools and the Wadsworth United PTO. Elaine was also involved in her church, as well as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and Salvation Army.

Later in life Elaine re-entered the work force, first at Computer Tots and later at the Medina County Credit Union, where she worked for ten years until a fantastic new career began: being a grandmother.

Elaine’s smile lit up the hospital waiting room with the arrival of each granddaughter. Living just miles away from the girls quickly became a blessing to everyone – helping hands (and amazing meals) for Dan and Amy’s young family and an opportunity for Don and Elaine to become an integral part of Olivia, Hadley and Juliette’s lives. Elaine was frequently referred to as a “unicorn” – a magical creature who appears to help before you even realize you need it. The girls will deeply miss Gram but her strong sense of faith in God, grit, bravery under difficult circumstances and selfless doing for others will live on in them.

After returning from a trip of a lifetime to Italy in late 2015, Elaine was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. She battled the disease with a quiet but firm resolve for more than two years, staying positive and fiercely independent even throughout her final days.

Elaine’s family is deeply grateful for the donations of platelets and blood from donors nationwide. Hundreds of transfusions gave Elaine extra time to enjoy her family, including a trip to Disney World, First Communion, dance recitals, first days of school, and many other holidays and family occasions.

A deep, heartfelt thank you to Dr. Ronald Sobecks (author of Divine Mercy: Triumph Over Cancer) and Dr. Benjamin Tomlinson, as well as the staff at both the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospital for their compassionate, top-notch care as Elaine’s complicated disease unfolded. The staff at the UH Sharon Center location went above and beyond in their care of Elaine, and after more than a year of three-times-a-week visits, the Sharon Center staff became friends that felt like family. For their love, compassion and the brightness they brought to each appointment, we are eternally grateful.

Visitation will be held at Hilliard-Rospert Funeral Home from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 15th. The funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, January 16th at 10:00 a.m. at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Copley.

Memorial donations can be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org) and to the Wadsworth PTO at any GenFed Financial Credit Union location (checks made out to Wadsworth United PTO). If you are able, please make a blood or platelet donation to help give other families the gift of more time together.

Hilliard-Rospert
330-334-1501
www.HilliardRospert.com