Delphine A. Nemeth

Delphine A. “Einee” Nemeth, 88, of Villa Hills, Kentucky, passed away peacefully after a long fight with her illness on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

A woman of extraordinary accomplishment, grace, and competitive spirit, Del left an indelible mark on everyone she coached, mentored, and cared for during a lifetime of dedicated service. Born on August 19, 1937, in South Bend, Indiana, to Frank and Alice (Wroblewski) Nemeth, Del came of age with both an athletic gift and a fierce intellect that would define her dual legacy in medicine and sport. She built a distinguished career as Chief Nurse Anesthetist at the University of Kentucky’s Chandler Medical Center, where she served with skill and compassion for more than two decades. Del’s athletic achievements were historic. An elite American Athletic Union (AAU) volleyball player and coach of the South Bend Challengers, she rose to national prominence as a member of the USA National Team during the World Cup in 1963 & 67 and Pan American Games in 1967 earning a Silver Medal in the latter.  She was an alternate for the 1964 United States Olympic Volleyball Team. She carried that championship pedigree into coaching, becoming the founding head coach of the University of Kentucky’s Women’s Varsity Volleyball program in 1976. Over six remarkable seasons, she led the Wildcats to three consecutive SEC championships, developed many All-SEC and SEC Most Valuable Player honorees, and was SEC Coach of the Year twice. She did not simply build a program - she built a tradition. Among her greatest joys in life was the time she spent with her nephews and niece. From camping trips and fishing adventures to summer days at King’s Island, Einee brought the same energy and enthusiasm to family fun that she brought to everything she did. She never returned from her journeys without a bag full of gifts for the kids. 

Throughout her life, Del was blessed with a remarkable circle of friends whom she cherished and kept close until the end. Their loyalty and love were a source of joy and strength to her; caring for her tirelessly through her illness. With their selflessness and tenderness, Del’s passing eased into a seamless transfer of spirit. In keeping with her lifelong spirit of giving, Del has generously donated her body to Alzheimer’s research, a final act of purpose and service that speaks volumes about the woman she was.

She is survived by her brother, Frank Nemeth (Sharon) of Novi, Michigan, and her nephews Jeff Nemeth (Nancy) and Jon Nemeth (Tracy), both of West Bloomfield, Michigan. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Alice Nemeth, and her niece, Jayn Barson (Ray), of South Bend, Indiana.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Hungary Church, 829 West Calvert Street, South Bend, Indiana on June 13 at 1:00pm followed by burial at St Joseph Polish Roman Cemetery, 24980 State Road 2, South Bend, IN 46619.  The Celebration of Life is August 15 in Villa Hills, KY.  Details will be announced by the family.               

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