Lucille Romanowski Tuider

Lucille (Metke) Romanowski-Tuider was born in Chicago, Illinois. Lucille, affectionately known as Lou, was raised in Bridgeport on the near south side of Chicago with her loving parents and older brother Harry and younger brother John. It was also in Bridgeport that Lucille met and married her husband Peter. Together they raised their children, Elaine, late Ronny, Bobby and Ricky and ran the family business – Pete’s Tavern. Lou loved a good time – with family, friends and neighbors. She prided herself in throwing great parties at the tavern – parties that were the talk of the town for weeks afterwards !

Lou and Pete were “urban pioneers,” moving to West Elsdon, a neighborhood located near Midway Airport. They were excited to move to a new neighborhood with new opportunities. While no longer at the tavern, Lou and Pete kept up their reputation for entertaining in their new home. It was there that they carried on the traditions of their backgrounds – German and Polish. And many a great ethnic meal was had by the countless guests who frequented their home.

Lou loved to dance, she loved to go bowling and she loved to travel. She was always the life of the party and would light up any room she entered. Lou became synonymous with good times, great cheer and much laughter – she was sought after as the guest of honor for every party and celebration in her circle of friends. These became lifelong characteristics associated with her – and she never disappointed .

Lou faced serious medical challenges later in life. She approached these difficulties as she did everything else in life – with grace, fortitude and above all else, humor. There was nothing that would bring her down – not even her health issues. Throughout, she endured, fought hard and became stronger, never letting anything stand in her way.

Lou’s endearing attitude and love of life brought her to her second husband, Al Tuider. Al and Lou brought great joy to each other and the fun and good times continued. These two were no strangers to the dance floor, the bowling alley or many a late night restaurant. They took great care of one another and both enjoyed a “second” chance at life. Lou and Al often went to their lake house in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin. It should come as no surprise that the party followed them there as well – once again, Lou was the sought after guest for every party, event or as she would call them “doings.”

Sadly, as with Pete, Al passed on. Lou carried forward as always and regardless of circumstance lived independently, proudly and never, for a minute, lost her joy for life or her gift of laughter. The following years were spent enjoying holiday visits with friends and family, dinners out and continuing to always be the life of the party.

To know Lou was to know her love of QVC - many an hour was spent monitoring what was for sale or what was the special of the day. Finding the right thing to buy brought her great pleasure. True to form for Lou – the pleasure came not from the purchase itself but rather knowing she had found the perfect gifts to give to her family and friends. When visiting Lou, it was not unusual for her to send you into the bedroom to choose something wonderful and unique to take home with you as a gift. A great and lasting souvenir of your visit together.

Lou had a joie de vivre like no one else. During these last few months, there were all too many hospital visits and stays in assisted living. But one thing remained constant, Lou was loved and adored by every doctor, nurse, aide and social worker assigned to her. Lou had everyone laughing – always! Even in the most difficult of times. This comes as no surprise because when asked for her secret to long life and happiness, Lou said, “if you don’t laugh you cry.” And Lou always chose to laugh. That is and will always remain her invaluable gift and her legacy.

Lucille Romanowski-Tuider will be dearly missed by her children, daughter-in-law Cheryl, son-in-law John, grandchildren, great grandchildren, her brother John and his wife, Mary Ann, special friend Jack, nieces, nephews, and her many, many friends and neighbors.