Elizabeth “Betty” Louise (Cromey) Gerstner, beloved matriarch of four generations, died December 4, 2017, of natural causes at her home in Villa Park. Born December 2, 1917, in North Judson, Ind., one of six children to Frank Cromey and Theresa (Patzke) Cromey, Mrs. Gerstner grew up on a farm in Indiana, launched her career in Chicago, and made her life in Villa Park, where she and her husband Chester built their house in the 1950s.
In the six decades that followed, Mrs. Gerstner was an active parishioner at St. Alexander Catholic Church, an avid gardener, a talented hostess, a fabulous baker and cook, an accomplished bowler, a world traveler, and a beloved neighbor to generations of people who lived near her home. She worked as an office manager of a law firm into her 90s, and cared for many family members over the years.
Mrs. Gerstner was preceded in death by her husband, as well as her parents and her siblings: Joseph, John, Leonard, and Edward Cromey, and Alice (Cromey) Gundling. She is survived by her beloved children, John W. (Mary Anne) Gerstner and Teresa L. (Philip) Therrien; her cherished grandchildren Rosemary L. (Jack Silverstein) Gerstner and John W. Gerstner, Jr.; and her great-granddaughter Tiernan R. Silverstein. She also had numerous nieces and nephews, and grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Mrs. Gerstner was known for her thoughtfulness and strong work ethic. On Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017, she celebrated her 100th birthday, surrounded by family.
Funeral Mass was held Monday, Dec. 11, 2017, at St. Alexander Catholic Church, 300 S. Cornell Ave., Villa Park. Memorial donations may be made to St. Alexander Catholic Church. Arrangements by Steuerle Funeral Home. For additional information 630-832-4161 or visit SteuerleFH.com.
