Delizia Marie DiOrio
Delizia Marie DiOrio passed from this life on November 18th, 2011, in the loving comfort of her own home, surrounded by all of her children. Delizia “Doll or Dolly” Marie DiOrio was born on June 7, 1926 in Chicago, IL. She met Frank DiOrio while attending nursing school at Mother Cabrini Hospital. They married on September 8th 1949. They celebrated 27 years together before his death in 1977. They moved to Burbank, with their four children in 1964. They left behind many family and friends in Chicago but were welcomed in California by her parents and sister’s family.
She was hired at Providence St Joseph Medical Center in Burbank that same year working in Labor and Delivery then transferring to P.A.R. until she retired in 1989. She considered all of the PSJMC nurses, doctors and staff as her extended family and missed them terribly when she retired.
She always enjoyed bowling, playing cards and trips to Las Vegas with her husband and friends. She also travelled to many places around the world by land, air and sea, making friends along the way with her outgoing and caring personality. Retirement didn’t stop her from trying new things, even when she had to give up driving; she contacted Burbank City Ride to take her to the Keystone Club, Braille Club, exercise class, and the Joslyn Senior Center, where she even took up Bridge in her late 70’s.Walking the dog in the neighborhood was one of her favorite things to do, for exercise of course, but really it was to talk to all her neighbors along the way.
Her husband’s love for sports was also something she embraced. At home the TV or radio stations were always on their favorite sports teams. She was an avid Dodger fan, though she never lost her love for the Chicago Cubs. She enjoyed watching her daughters play softball, rarely missing their games, eating peanuts and talking to friends and strangers alike. She was proud of all her children and grandchildren and would “brag” about them to all.
She is survived by her brother, Jay Napoleon (Chicago) and her children, Frank DiOrio Jr., Peter DiOrio, Nancy DiOrio-Knight (Roger Knight-husband),Lisa DiOrio-Fortis (Jose Fortis-husband), her grandchildren,
Allia Knight, Ethan Knight, and Aubrey Knight. Step-grandchild David Fortis and step- great grandchild Brent Fortis.
Mom always put family first. She was the driving force behind our family and friends getting together for celebrations and holidays. She was a generous, loving and caring daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, auntie, friend, nurse and neighbor. She will be missed and forever in our hearts.
Services to be held on Friday, November 25th, 2011, at Pierce Brothers Valhalla Memorial Park and Mortuary
10621 Victory Boulevard, North Hollywood, CA 91606. 11:00am: Visitation at the Chapel, 1:00pm: Service at the Graveside