Ellen Marie Romanetto, age 76, of Gardner, Illinois passed away peacefully Sunday, October 17, 2021 with her loving family by her side at River Crossing Nursing Home in Joliet, Illinois. Born May 12, 1945 in Joliet to the late Edmond and Genevieve Ann (nee Lenzie) Kilbride, Ellen was a lifelong resident of Grundy County. She worked many jobs, including working in the food and culinary industries for many local establishments throughout the years. Ellen was an avid caretaker for friends and family, devoting many years of her time, care, and energy to helping her loved ones in any way she could. She enjoyed many social outings, including playing cards with groups of her friends. She loved to travel, especially to the Cayman Islands with her family. Ellen never missed anything when it came to her grandchildren – whether it was attending sporting events, recitals, homecoming, or prom pictures, she was always there for them and will be forever remembered as their “Big E.’ Ellen leaves behind her four loving children: Mike (Diane) Romanetto of Cardiff, Illinois; Scott (Bev) Romanetto of Coal City; Richelle Sandeno of Morris, Illinois; and Michelle (Chris) Lenzie of Gardner. She was “Big E’ to eight beloved grandchildren: Rachel, Thomas and Alex Romanetto, Madeline and Ellie Romanetto, Tyler Trent, Raegan Sandeno, and Avery Lenzie; three great-grandchildren: Peyton, Jaxson, and Audrey; three brothers: John (Marena) Kilbride of St. Peters, Missouri; Ted Kilbride of South Wilmington, Illinois; and David Kilbride of Chicago, Illinois; and numerous nieces, nephews, and their families. Preceding her in death were her parents; brother, Thomas Kilbride; and son-in-law, Todd Sandeno. Visitation for Ellen will be at the R. W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory, Braid-wood, Thursday, October 21, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. until time of funeral services beginning at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Braidwood. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her name may be directed to Lightways Hospice, 250 Waterstone Circle, Joliet, Illinois 60431. For more information and to visit her online guestbook, please log on to www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com or find us on Facebook.

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