Pia Middleton

Pia Middleton, age 77, of Aurora, IL, passed away in the evening of Monday, January 14, 2019, surrounded by the love and prayers of her family.
Pia was born on April 4, 1941, in Zirndorf, Germany, to proud parents Richard and Dorothea (Neubauer) Ziegenbalg.
She attended local schools in Zirndorf and while in high school she was an usher at the local movie theatre.
Pia met James L. Bellon, an American soldier, in Germany and soon after their meeting he was sent back to the United States. Pia moved to James’ home in Aurora, IL in March of 1960, where she learned English by reading a variety of novels. On May 21, 1960, James and Pia were united in marriage. On March 28, 1961, they welcomed their son, James R. Bellon and on October 15, 1964 their family was complete with the birth of Erik Bellon. In May of 1971, James and Pia went their separate ways. Pia started her new life working at St. Charles Hospital in Aurora as a nurse’s aide before the hospital closed its doors.
Pia went to work at Copley hospital in Aurora and also went to classes at Waubonsee Community College where she trained through a cardiovascular continuing education center. After completing her certifications, Pia earned her certification as a cardiovascular technician and worked at Copley for 22 years. When Copley Hospital moved out of Aurora, Pia transferred to Dreyer Clinic and worked there for 15 years. In her spare time, she often helped at the polls as an election judge.
One day off of work, after Pia and the boys had finished a lunch at Marc’s Big Boy, they decided to go to the park in North Aurora on the river. While the boys were playing, Pia sat on a park bench and as fate would have it, Frank Middleton, sat down on the same bench. While his daughter, Bonnie, was playing with the boys. “The kids will sleep well tonight,” was the start of a long conversation with Frank. After a short courtship, Frank and Pia were united in marriage on October 13, 1972.
Life at home with Pia was filled with so much love and thoughtfulness. She worked hard to take care of James and Erik when she was on her own and then welcomed Frank and Bonnie with generous open arms.
Stomachs were never empty when Pia was able to be in the kitchen. Her master skills of cooking were something to write home about. From just little family dinners to her feasts on holidays, every dish was amazing. Everyone’s favorites were the varieties of soup, schnitzel, savory roulade, and kuchen.
Frank and Pia loved to travel in their spare time, anywhere from Alaska to Canada and Germany. She was so proud of her driver’s license; every chance Pia got, she would get behind the wheel.
When their children had children of their own, Pia’s eyes lit up and she took on the role of Oma so proudly. Pia’s family was her life, from loving wife, to amazing mother and Oma, she was always there for them with love and open arms. Pia will be forever missed, and never forgotten.
Pia is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, Frank Middleton; her three children: James R. Bellon, Erik (Mandy) Bellon; Bonnie (Kevin) Mahedy; four grandchildren: Jordan Valocchi, Kylee Mahedy, Wolfie Bellon, and Erika Bellon; two sisters: Irmgard Singer and Elfriede Reiniger; as well as many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Dorothea Ziegenbalg, and two brothers, Dieter and Alfred Ziegenbalg.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Sunday, January 20, 2019 at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL. Visitation will resume Monday, January 21, from 9-10 a.m. at Conley Funeral Home with a funeral service to follow at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at South Burlington Cemetery, Maple Park, IL.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Associations, www.alz.org/donate. Tributes may also be forwarded to Conley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.

Visitation will resume Monday, January 21, from 9-10 a.m. at Conley Funeral Home with a funeral service to follow at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at South Burlington Cemetery, Maple Park, IL.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Sunday, January 20, 2019 at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL.

South Burlington Cemetery, Maple Park, IL