Evelyn Veronica Wittig Diorio

They grew up without much. No running hot water. Hanging clothes on a line outside to dry.

Evelyn loved school. She loved studying and learning. She also enjoyed different activities and sports in school. She was part of the archery and riflery team.

She graduated Cranston High School in 1949. Went on to graduate the University of Rhode Island in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science and training in Biology. She later attended the University of Vermont in Burlington and studied medicine. Her goal was to become a doctor, an anesthesiologist. That dream never came to fruition as she met her future husband, Neil George Diorio, who was also studying medicine.

Evelyn went on to marry Neil, and together they had seven children. Unfortunately, Neil Francis, died of pneumonia in 1958.

Neil and Evelyn lived in many states along the Eastern Seaboard as Neil had joined the Navy after receiving his medical license.

Evelyn never really enjoyed cooking, but she provided a variety of wonderful dinners at least five nights a week for us all to sit down together and enjoy. She shopped, cleaned and even pulled weeds from the front lawn in our Northridge home.

Neil and Evelyn traveled with world together. And, later with friends and family on cruises. She did things for herself as well. She was on a bowling team, which brought her some trophies. She was involved with LACMA – Los Angeles County Medical Association. She volunteered one day a week, for quite a while, with the braille institute. She helped a young girl, Katie, and her dog every week: shopping and anything else she needed assistance with. Probably her greatest love was tennis. She played all the time with friends. She was very good and very competitive.

In the later years when all of their children had moved out, Neil and Evelyn had weekly dinners at their home in Chatsworth for us all. That included spouses, boyfriends, girlfriends, and grandchildren. It was something I think we all can look back on as very good times.

Evelyn always made sure we all had birthday parties, great Christmases, Halloweens, even Easter.

One thing I hear from everyone is how organized and on top of her acknowledging peoples’ birthdays and anniversaries she was. She never missed a beat, never forgot anyone. Always there with a letter or a card.

She was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in October, 2010. She underwent chemotherapy and some radiation. She was in pain, but never complained. You’d just hear it in her when she’d walk. It was kept at bay, yet still monitored.

After her husband, Neil, passed February 24, 2019, her children moved her to Sunrise Senior Living in Woodland Hills where she would finish out her life.

End of July, 2021, she fell ill rather suddenly. She was on hospice. Some of her children came to her side. Some phoned, even though she wasn’t responsive, they were able to speak to her. She passed on July 23, 2021 with her eldest son by her side.

There was no formal service. She will be greatly missed. GREATLY missed.

Evelyn Veronica Wittig Diorio had a very full life. She had six children, a son in law, a daughter in law, eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren; all of whom will miss her terribly.

Rest in peace Mom. I love you!

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Bastian & Perrott, Oswald Mortuary.com for the Wittig Diorio family.