Adeline May Edel Diehl

Adeline May Edel Diehl was born on December 30, 1924, in DeKalb, IL, to Edward F. Edel, Sr. and Mabel (Walker) Edel. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on July 10, 2022, in Vancouver, BC, where she had travelled to begin a cruise from Alaska to Florida.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Edward F. Edel, Jr., and husband Rex Earl Diehl.

            After graduating from high school in DeKalb she attended college for one year in Illinois, and then at age 18 Adeline married Melville Eugene Case and they moved to California during WWII, where he was stationed.They subsequently moved to Denver, CO. The marriage ended, but she was blessed with two children, Stephen Eugene Case and Bonnie Gene Morris. Adeline attended the University of Denver where she earned a BA, and later an MA in special education, training as a speech therapist. Adeline was a pioneer in women's education, earning a master’s degree at a time when many women did not even go to college, all while raising two young children on her own. In the summer of 1956 while she was taking her last class for her master’s degree she met Rex Diehl. They married in December 1956, and they had nearly 50 years of marriage together when he passed away in 2006. Their union produced two more children in the early 1960’s, Martha Diehl Mauser and Lee Harold Diehl.

            Adeline worked for the Denver Public Schools as a speech therapist for the majority of her professional career. After she and Rex both retired from the DPS they spent many happy times traveling the world as well as visiting their children who ended up at various locations across the US and abroad. She enjoyed being a member of the many organizations including Order of the Eastern Star, Daughters of the Nile, ASHA, and Phi Beta Kappa. She volunteered as a docent at the Denver Museum of Natural History every Sunday if she was not on a trip.

            After Rex passed away, Adeline moved to Ipswich, MA to live with her daughter Martha and her family. Adeline became involved in the community, playing bridge at the Senior Center and volunteering for the Ipswich Historical Society. She continued to enjoy traveling the world and visiting her family.

            Adeline is survived by her children Stephen E. Case of Kaneohe, HI, Bonnie Gene Morris of Georgetown, TX, Martha Mauser and her husband Timothy of Ipswich, MA, and Lee Diehl and his wife Cynthia, of Raleigh, NC. In addition to her children she leaves six grandchildren, Carrie Lauby, Katie Wallace, Elizabeth Mauser, Angus Mauser, Ashley Diehl and Brooks Diehl, and five great grandchildren, Megan and Nathan Pobre, Kaya and Teagan Youngquist and McKenzie Wallace.

            Adeline lived her life to the fullest and was a radiant spot in everyone’s day. No matter what was happening, she had a positive outlook on life and was filled with optimism. There are many who will attest to her great generosity, both in material goods and spirit. She was a bright light in the world and is greatly missed.

            A collation/open house to celebrate Adeline’s life will be held at the Ipswich Inn, 2 East Street, on Thursday, September 22, 2022, from 5:00 to 7:00pm.  In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Adeline’s name to:  the Ipswich/Rowley Rotary Club Charitable Trust   c/o  the Institution for Savings  2 Depot Square  Ipswich, MA  01938.  Assisting the Diehl family is the Morris Funeral Home of Ipswich.  To send a letter of condolence to Adeline’s family please go to:  MorrisFH.com .

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