Deonne Ellen Blair Adami

Deonne Ellen Blair Adami 80, a life-long resident of Rockford Illinois, passed away peacefully at 1:27 am, Friday January 17, 2014, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born Sept. 28, 1933 in Dubuque, IA, the only child to Dean O'Neal and Ellen Therese (Collins) Blair. She lived 71 years in Rockford coming here from Kankakee, IL. She married Louis N. Adami on November 27, 1954 at St. James Catholic Church. Graduated from Muldoon class of 52 and received her BA from Rockford College in 1968. Deonne immediately started working in the public school system as a teacher of special education in Rockford and Belvidere for 36 continuous years. She prides herself for returning to school to complete a Masters Degree in Special Education from Rockford College in 1990. She retired from teaching in 2000. Deonne was involved as a coach and judge for Trampoline Town USA. From 1969 to 1977 she was an assistant coach to Robert Bollinger, helping young athletes perfect the esthetic quality of their competitive routines. She was inducted into the USTA Hall of Fame in 1985, for her hard work and dedication to the world of trampoline and tumbling. Deonne was a member of St Bridget Catholic Church where she volunteered for CCD classes. She loved playing the piano, singing and traveling around the world.
Survivors include her six children: Frederick Adami of M.P., Blair (Katie) Adami of Rockton, Jeffery (Mary) Adami of L.P., Gary (Tina) Adami of Rockford, Ellyn (Arnulfo) Manzo of Mesa, AZ and Robert Adami of M.P. Grandchildren: Nicholas, Laura, Aaron, Nichole, Nicole, Tobias, Justine, Andrew, Zoraya, Sergio, Nadia, Mario, Shannon, and Corey. Step-grandchildren: Amanda, Marissa, Nichole and Nathan and seven Great grandchildren. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, including her special niece, Loretta Bobzien, and her very special canine friend, QE II. Special friend, Bishop Monsignor Mael de Brescia "Paul". Predeceased by her parents and her loving husband of 55 years, Louis.
Mass of Christian burial at 10am Wednesday Jan. 22, 2014 in St Bridget Catholic Church, Loves Park with Fr. Christopher DiTomo officiating. Burial in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation from5pm until 7pm Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014, Fitzgerald Funeral Home 3910 N. Rockton Ave, with rosary at 7pm.
~Memorials to Rockford University Scholarship Funds~ Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com