USA Wrestling staff member Trish Dionne passed away on Wednesday, March 13

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Gary Abbott (USA Wrestling)
03/15/2002


 Trish Dionne, 45, the National Teams Assistant on the USA Wrestling national staff, passed away in a Denver hospital on Wednesday, March 13.    Trish suffered an unexpected and severe brain aneurysm during the President's Day weekend in February. During subsequent surgery, she also suffered a severe stroke, further complicating her condition.    Dionne had worked at USA Wrestling since July 1997. She has many friends and associates across the nation, due to her variety of responsibilities for the National Teams Department.     Trish was involved in organizing the travel for hundreds of USA Wrestling athletes, coaches and officials who have represented our nation at international competitions. She also worked with many other wrestlers and their families, helping coordinate numerous activities for the organization. Dionne also worked directly with the U.S. Olympic Committee on wrestling*s athlete support programs and National Teams training needs. She took a personal interest in the lives of the U.S. athletes and coaches, and worked very hard to assist them in reaching their goals.    Prior to joining USA Wrestling, Dionne worked in the legal profession. She attended high school in Pennsylvania, and grew up on the East Coast. She enjoyed camping, fishing, friendships, bingo and her work.    "Trish was very instrumental in the recent success of USA Wrestling," said Rich Bender, USA Wrestling Executive Director. "Her abilities and her love for her job and the sport was evident, as she worked diligently to provide for and care for our National Team. Her friendship and caring heart will be long missed by those in the entire sport."    She leaves her husband, James, three adult children, Daryl, Kris and Amy, and two grandchildren, Brooke and Dillon.    The family has not yet decided on final arrangements. More information will be provided when available.    A memorial fund is being established. We encourage those who knew Trish to support the family by sending cards and messages to: The Family of Trish Dionne, c/o USA Wrestling, 6155 Lehman Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80918.    USA Wrestling asks the wrestling community to keep Trish, her family, her friends and the USA Wrestling staff in their thoughts and prayers at this time.