Obituary of Eloise Virginia Grumley Masters
Eloise Virginia Grumley Masters, of Joliet, Illinois was born on June 24, 1922 and passed away peacefully on Friday, December 14, 2018. Eloise was the only child of Florence Lorton, a school teacher, and Arvel Lorton. Arvel was a gentleman farmer, known as Lucky Lorton. He played the grain market and cards. Eloise graduated from the University of Illinois with a double major in Philosophy and English. She was a member of the Delta Gamma Sorority and enjoyed football games featuring Chief Illiniwek.
Eloise married James J. Grumley in 1944. James and Eloise moved to Joliet. James was a CPA and began the accounting firm Grumley Dickie Thornton and Clark. James and Eloise were active in Rotary and other community activities.
Eloise and James had four children, all of whom have survived her: George (Heidi) Grumley of Lake Forest, Christine (Brian) O’Connor of Joliet, James (Gale) Grumley of Chicago, and Joan (Thomas) Broderick of Chicago.
In 1980, Eloise married Paul Masters. She remained married to Paul until his death.
Eloise is also survived by her three stepchildren: Nancy King, Paul Masters, and Randall Masters.
Eloise is survived by her ten grandchildren: Cara (Nathan) Wetters, Regan (Matthew) Wieneke, and Allison (Matthew) Kaminsky; also Brian (Debbie) O’Connor and Moira (Jose) Perez; and Elizabeth Grumley, Michael (Christine) Grumley, and Patrick Grumley; also Thomas (Elizabeth) Broderick III and Emily (Seth) Weitberg. Eloise is also survived by eight great-grandchildren, Olivia and Addie O’Connor, Adriano Perez, Margo and Oscar Grumley, Goodwin Wetters, Briar Wieneke, and Louis Broderick.
Eloise was an active member of St. Edward and Christ Episcopal Church. Eloise was an alto singer in the choir and played the djembe African drum during services. She was a world traveler having gone to flea markets in London, Berlin and Paris with her daughter, Joan. Eloise went fishing with her sons in Canada. Eloise went to Greece and Turkey with her daughter, Christine. Eloise played bridge with two different bridge groups, she read voraciously, and particularly liked mystery and crime novels that Jim would get her from the Downtown Joliet Public Library. She enjoyed playing golf, receiving flowers, listening to Broadway musicals and driving her red Cadillac. Eloise especially enjoyed the accomplishments of her children. She was especially grateful to her son-in-law, Brian, who drove her to her many doctor appointments and who was a daily movie companion. Eloise also appreciated her daughter-in-law, Heidi, for the many wonderful family trips to Florida and North Carolina.
Eloise was blessed to be visited by one or more of her children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren nearly every day during the last year of her life. Eloise’s family is grateful to April Neal, her caregiver and companion, for her kindness and wonderful care.
The family would also like to thank Joliet Area Community Hospice for their loving care and assistance.
Services for Eloise will be held at St. Edward and Christ Episcopal Church, 206 N. Midland, Joliet, on Wednesday, December 26, 2018. Visitation will take place at the church from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and will be followed by a Mass at 11:00 a.m.
Fred C. Dames Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
