Diane 'Dodie' Ellena

PRINCETON — Diane “Dodie” Ellena, 65, of Princeton passed away Thursday, April 28, 2016, surrounded by family and friends.

Diane was born Oct. 20, 1950, to Tony and Irma Ellena of rural Hennepin.

She was a kind, generous, proud person who loved her family. Diane was lots of fun and had many friends. She loved all animals, especially dogs.

Diane graduated from Putnam County High School and later received her bachelor's and master's degrees from Illinois State University. While she was at the university she participated in the special education program and did her student teaching at Houghton Giebe School in England. The group traveled in England, Sweden and Holland. She taught at LeRoy High School, Wyanet High School and retired from Bureau Valley High School. Diane was an 18-year breast cancer survivor.

She is survived by her only brother, Michael (Gayle) Ellena of Rowlette, Texas; seven sisters, Kathy (Rich) VanBeuning of Granville, Laurie (Dan) Kotecki of Granville, Helen (Fran) Aimone of Granville, Emmy Haywood of Granville, Toni Sabotta of Hennepin, Mary (Jerry) Mooberry of Lacon and Shelley (Brad) Kays of Hennepin; and many nieces and nephews.

Diane leaves behind her special friends, Shirley Flenghi of Princeton, Walt Byczynski of Ladd and Gerald Bernabei of Oglesby.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Tony and Irma.

A memorial Mass will be at 11 a.m. Friday, May 6, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Granville with Fr. Patrick DeMeulemeester officiating. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Granville. Cremation rites have been accorded.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Friday, May 6, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Granville.

Contributions may be directed to Friends of Strays and Putnam County Community Center in Standard.

The Dysart-Cofoid Funeral Chapel in will be assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be made to her family at www.dcfunerals.com.