Obituary of Lela Mae Didion

LELA "LEE" MAE DIDION age 89 of Jefferson passed away Thursday December 27, 2012 at the Rainbow Hospice Inpatient Center in Johnson Creek. She was born on June 27, 1923 in Parma, OH, daughter of the late Julian and Winfred "Winnie" (McKee) Riley. Lee married Dr. Paul Didion on April 26, 1943 in San Diego, CA. They were married for 65 years prior to his death on December 10, 2008. Lee and Paul moved to Jefferson in 1951 to establish Paul's veterinary practice. Lee was the bookkeeper and office manager for the practice. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. She served on the Jefferson School District board for eight years, and was president for two years. She enjoyed playing golf and bridge, gardening, and preparing delicious meals for her large and hungry family. Lee was a lover of beauty, music and nature. She was well known for her endearing sense of humor and graciousness, and will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Lee is survived by two daughters and four sons: Cynthia Didion of Lincoln, Nebraska; Paul "Andy" (Dr. Yvonne Bellay) Didion of Jefferson; John (Ann) Didion of Cambridge, Nancy (Wayne Sigelko) Didion of Madison; Dr. Bradley (Ellen) Didion of Mt. Horeb; Dow (Cindy) Didion of Oconomowoc. Lee had ten Grandchildren: John Paul Didion and Riley Didion; August, Analiese and Kaethe Sigelko; Dr. Brady (Callie) Didion, Kelsey (Matthew Smith) Didion, and Micah Didion; Coral Didion and Erin (Brandon) Housley. Lee also had two great-grandchildren, Henry and Samuel Didion. Lee is survived by her twin sister, Lola Vincent of Akron OH, and brother Clayton (Bibbie) Riley of Jacksonville FL. She was preceded in death by brothers; Corwin, Gordon, Burton, sister; Ahlene Maxwell, and her constant canine companion Toby. Lee's family is grateful for the devoted and compassionate care received from Sharon Endl, The Visiting Angels and staff at Rainbow Hospice. A Mass celebrating Lee's life will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday January 3, 2013 with the Rev. Thomas Coyle officiating. A visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Thursday evening at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Those wishing to express sympathy through a memorial may direct them to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 324 East North Street, Jefferson, WI 53549; Jefferson Community Foundation, PO Box 81, Jefferson, WI 53549; The Council for the Performing Arts, 100 North Main Street, Jefferson, WI 53549; or Rainbow Hospice, 147 West Rockwell Street, Jefferson, WI 53549. Visit; www.schneidermichaelisfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence or light a candle in her memory.