Gloria L. Romano

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gloria Lavonne Romano, who left this world on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at the age of 93. Gloria was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She was married to her devoted husband, Frank Romano, for 67 wonderful years.

Gloria, the daughter of Samuel and Alice Regnell, was born on July 22, 1931, in Oak Park, Illinois. She grew up in Austin and graduated from Austin High School. Throughout her childhood, Gloria was passionate about sports, particularly volleyball and softball. Gloria cherished the memories of attending Bears games with her father, and she maintained a lifelong devotion to the Chicago Cubs. Additionally, she shared a love for Elvis Presley with her daughter, Paula, who continues to collect Elvis memorabilia.

Gloria enjoyed a variety of jobs throughout her life, including roles at a dime store, a law firm, Wieboldt’s Department Store, and a dry cleaner. Her most cherished role, however, was working alongside her daughter Karen at a McDonald’s in Naperville for over ten years, where her warmth and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Gloria had a deep connection to her Swedish heritage, which she celebrated with pride. Her love for children, dogs, and sweets was well-known among her family and friends. She found joy in simple pleasures, whether it was playing card games, watching game shows on TV, or spending time with those she loved. While she always considered the Chicago area home, she loved regularly traveling to Door County, Wisconsin with her family. She often talked about the fond memories of the Romano family together at Al Johnson’s for Swedish pancakes, Wilson’s for ice cream, and the fish boil.

Gloria’s deep loyalty to her family was the cornerstone of her life. She took immense joy in her role as mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, always showering her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with boundless affection and unwavering support. Her selflessness, patience, kindness, and positivity left a permanent mark on everyone she met, brightening their lives with her ever-present smile.

All who had the privilege to spend time with Gloria were drawn to her positive spirit and gentle nature, including her caregivers and other staff at Brighton Gardens in St. Charles. They, along with her family and friends, will remember her fondly for her unwavering kindness and the light she brought into their lives. Her family is forever grateful for the wonderful caregivers and staff that supported Gloria over the last few years.

Gloria was a loving mother to her children Dave Romano, Karen (Ed) Schneider, Paula (Barry) Woodrick, and daughter-in-law Debbie Romano. She was an adored grandmother of Brian (Candis) Romano, Tim (Daisy) Romano, Nicole Schneider, Lindsay (Peter) Cook, Laura (Chris) Phillips, and Garth (Tayler) Woodrick and great-grandmother of Everett, Owen, Sonja, Elijiah, Isla, Dylan, Tyler, Rylee, and Kyler.

She was preceded in death by her parents Samuel and Alice Regnell, her grandson Michael Schneider, and her husband Frank Romano who passed away in 2021

Gloria will be deeply missed but forever remembered for the joy, love, and kindness she shared with the world.

A private service in honor of Gloria’s life will be held on Saturday, September 21.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Gloria’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.

For additional information, please call (630) 232-8233 or visit www.malonefh.com. 

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