In Loving Memory of Adele Rose (Murphy) Vonu

Heaven gained a spunky angel on June 3, 2026 when Adele Rose (Murphy) Vonu passed away peacefully at The Inn at Old Saybrook in Columbiana, Ohio. In her 95 years, Adele lived life to the fullest, designed it with beauty, found humor in everyday moments, and gifted it generously to everyone she knew.

Born on March 11, 1931, in Youngstown, Ohio, to the late James and Thelma (Whelpdale) Murphy, Adele grew up with a natural grace. A proud graduate of Ursuline High School, she possessed a fierce work ethic and a sharp mind, working at Republic Steel before embarking on her greatest adventure, marrying the love of her life, Peter Nicolas Vonu. She loved exploring the world with Peter, but no matter where her travels took her, Adele’s heart remained anchored to her four children, family, and friends.

Adele’s creative eye for design lent itself to everything from fashion and home décor to entrepreneurship. She always had an eye for the finer things and poured her creativity into sewing, knitting, and making clothing and even embarked upon a passion project designing hair scrunchies, which blossomed into a successful business. Her gift was in finding beauty in everything from a beautifully decorated dining room table to catching up over a cup of coffee. 

She spent many years living in Florida, basking in the sunshine, walking the beaches, and chasing her grandkids around the pool. Adele could often be found in her apron preparing family favorites at all hours of the day and night. As a devout parishioner of St. Christine’s, Adele’s faith was a constant source of strength and comfort throughout her life. She had a knack for brightening everyone’s day with her sassy remarks, making every holiday feel magical, spreading laughter, and showing up in head-to-toe leopard print with a dirty martini with extra olives. 

Adele is now returned to the loving, eternal arms of her beloved husband, Peter Nicolas Vonu. She was also preceded in death by her parents; her cherished son, Jeffery Tod Vonu; her three sisters; and her brother. Her legacy of elegance, laughter, and fierce devotion lives on through her surviving children, Peter James (Mary) Vonu of Yorktown, Virginia, Timm Edward Vonu of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Heidi Marie (Wahoub) Hout of Canfield, Ohio. She also leaves behind eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren who carry her bright spirit forward. 

Adele taught us that life is meant to be lived beautifully, dressed impeccably, and loved unconditionally. She will be missed beyond measure, but the love she shared will continue to guide, comfort, and hold her family together.