Julia Rydel

Julia Rydel, age 90, of Middletown, DE, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 18, 2020, surrounded by her family. Born in Wilmington, DE on November 15, 1929, she was a daughter of the late Clifford A. and Mary (Malloy) Stierle. Julia, also known as “Jule”, “Tootsie”, and “Mom Mom”, lived and worked most of her life Wilmington. She was employed at the Diamond State (Bell) Telephone Company for over thirty years where she started as an operator and retired as a supervisor in 1979. She married her childhood sweetheart, Stanley, in 1949, at St. Elizabeth’s Church. They made their home on Linden Street, where they were active in St. Hedwig Church, had a daughter and a son, and were together for 58 years before he passed away. Julia was best known for her sewing abilities. Over the years, she touched many lives by making special outfits for her family for proms, christenings, maternity clothes, and even Halloween costumes. She loved reading James Patterson novels, crocheting, and making themed quilts for all the grandkids. In her later years and all the way up to the week she passed away, she enjoyed coloring the designs in her coloring books. She kept everyone busy looking for new themes and designs for her to color. Julia will be missed by everyone who’s life she touched. In addition to her parents, Julia was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley P. Rydel, Jr.; daughter, Sandra Rydel; brothers, Clifford “Buddy” Stierle Jr. and James Stierle; and sisters, Marjorie Sheubrooks and Eleanor Jordan. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her son, Paul Rydel (Angela); granddaughters, Michele Meadows (Albert), Tiffany Faraone and Taylor Rydel; great-grandchilden, Nicholas, Brooke, Mason and Ally Meadows and Ashley McBride; two great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. All services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Julia’s memory to Compassionate Care Hospice, 405 East Marsh Lane #4, Newport, DE 19804. Without her caregivers from Compassionate Care, Beth and Katrina, we would not have gotten through the last six months; for that, we cannot thank them enough.

Julia Rydel

November 15, 1929 - April 18, 2020