Adele L. McDonnell, 88, of Sterling, IL passed away peacefully at Rock River Hospice & Home in Sterling on Thursday April 30th, 2026. Adele Lucille was born September 23, 1937 in Lemont, IL the daughter of Alex and Lucille (Rutkiewicz) Novak. Adele married Arthur G. McDonnell on September 27, 1958 in Lemont, IL and was his loving wife until he passed October 12, 2017.

   Adele is survived by her four children Michael (Karen Carter) of Raleigh N.C., Michelle (James) Grunauer of Sterling, Mark (Joan) McDonnell of Florence, AZ, and Molly (Bruce) Dir of Mundelein, IL; one brother-in-law John Guzzo of Worthington, OH; nine grandchildren Lindsay Bley, Leah Herman, Sean McDonnell, Ian Dir, Charlie Dir, Sophie Dir, Katie Meyer, Jenny McDonnell and Sydney McDonnell; seven great-grandchildren Brooklyn Grunauer, Georgia Mae Herman, Eli Herman, Chiara Herman, Noah Bley, Caleb Bley, and Henry Meyer.

   She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister Elaine Guzzo, and her husband Arthur G. McDonnell.

   Adele was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Sterling. She loved being a mother, grandmother, home-maker, flower gardener, entertaining friends, playing tennis and playing cards.

   Her family would like to thank the special friends who offered help and support in her final years, and Rock River Hospice and Home for their compassionate care.

   A gathering of family and friends will be held Monday June 15, 2026 at Sacred Heart Church 2224 Avenue J. in Sterling IL with visitation from 10AM-11AM and the Celebration of Christian Burial to follow at 11AM in the church.

   Arrangements were completed by Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation in Sterling.

   A memorial has been established to Rock River Hospice & Home.

   Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com