Bernadine "Bonnie" Romanowski (nee Budaj)
August 10, 1943 - November 25, 2025

It is with deep sadness that the family of Bernadine "Bonnie" (Budaj) Romanowski announces her passing on November 25, 2025 at the age of 82.  Bonnie was at her Arlington Heights, IL home, surrounded by her husband and daughters as she peacefully departed this world into the arms of Jesus Christ, her comfort and joy. Bonnie had heartfelt visits from many of her close friends and family throughout the summer, but especially in the three days leading up to her death.

Born on August 10, 1943 in Milwaukee, WI, she was the devoted wife of Joseph J. Romanowski for 61 years.  Bonnie and Joe met as neighbors in Cudahy, WI in 1948 and married in 1964.  Prior to starting their family, Bonnie managed Regis Hair Salon in Cudahy.  Together they lovingly raised three daughters: Jody Romanowski (and Bill Abraham), Stacey (and Steve) Politzki, and Lori (and Mike) Kramer.

Bonnie was also the devoted grandmother to Ryan Politzki (24), Tyler Abraham (22), Owen Politzki (21), Roman Kramer (15) and August Kramer (12).  She is survived by her sister Patricia Waldoch. She was preceded in death by her sister Mary Ellen Sopik.

Bonnie will be remembered for her warm, welcoming smile, interest in people, and her ability to make people, even strangers, feel comfortable and open up to her. Her gift to engage with people allowed her to soften Joe's rough edges throughout his career.  Bonnie dedicated her life to her family, always there with a listening ear, a tasty treat, and a loving embrace. Her passions included gardening, especially container gardening, shopping for thoughtful gifts, and providing hospitality to anyone who entered her home.

Bonnie loved meeting her friends at Saint Alphonsus Church, Surfanista, Granny's/Egg House, Steak n' Shake, chair yoga, water aerobics, the Mexican Train table, Arlington Heights library (where Bonnie volunteered for 25 years), and local garden club.  Bonnie was fond of celebrating holidays and birthdays, especially Christmas.  She enjoyed 50's rock n' roll (Elvis) music, decorating her homes, and strolling through her beautiful garden holding her Joe's hand.

Bonnie was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January of 2025. We were given a punch to the heart "days to one week" prognosis. When we received this unthinkable diagnosis, Bonnie reacted with, "I've had a good life… it is my time."  Bonnie embraced her deep faith in Jesus Christ that offered the peace that was at the core of her journey.  We focused on quality of life – her comfort, peace, and for her to remain as pain free as possible.  She fearlessly decided to spend her remaining time living fully, seeking alternative cancer protocols, and trusting her own instinct for hope.

And we rallied! We read every science-y cancer book that was recommended, listened to endless podcasts, explored other people's stories and methods, and tried an almost comical amount of supplements. We found supportive doctors, including an incredible naturopathic doctor who specialized in oncology, a woman who guided us with compassion, wisdom and realistic expectations through immunotherapy, infusions, and all the unknowns. And somehow, miraculously, Bonnie's very aggressive cancer slowed tremendously. For 11 months, every test, every scan brought surprisingly decent news. Her spring and summer were bright, active, and full of possibility.

It was the most unexpected and precious gift. Bonnie felt better than she had in years. The weight she lost from cancer gave her a new lightness, physically and emotionally. Her cane was tossed into a corner, forgotten. Suddenly she was shopping, roaming aisles with her trademark enthusiasm, laughing, full of energy and making friends along the way. We knew the time was borrowed, but goodness, it was beautiful. Because that was who Bonnie was—the best, most supportive wife, mom, and grandmother anyone could ask for.

She had a natural green thumb, many of her plants are older than her children. She was a fanatic puzzler and Mexican Train champion. She loved decorating, creating a home filled with warmth and intention. She adored entertaining. And she treasured shopping- oh, the deals she found! She was thrifty in the most charming ways.  Her daughters grew up learning her ways and her delight in the hunt.

Bonnie was a crafter, always arranging a bouquet or curating a set of knick-knacks. She loved a good home project, always dreaming up the next little improvement. And she was a worrier in the way only a mother or grammy can be. She always wanted her chicks near her nest. And when they couldn't be, she needed to know where we were. Her "Find My" app was her most used tool or her modern day extension of maternal instinct.

We were blessed beyond measure to have her as our wife, mom, and grammy. She supported us fiercely and loved us deeply. And even though her earthly journey has ended, the joy, quick-witted humor, creativity, and tenderness she poured into us will live on in everything we do.

We will miss her with our whole hearts.

Love you forever, Bonnie, Mom, and Grammy.

Until we meet again…

Please let us know if you would like to attend Bonnie's celebration of life (time and date to be determined) by sending a kind note or memory you have of Bonnie to CelebrateBonnie43@gmail.com

In lieu of flowers or planting of a tree the family requests a kind note or memory be sent.

I'm Spending Christmas with Jesus Christ This Year!

I see countless Christmas trees around the world below, with tiny lights like heaven stars, reflecting on the snow.  The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away a tear, for I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year!

I hear many Christmas songs, that people hold dear, but sounds of music can't compare, with the Christmas choir here.  For I have no words to tell you, the jot their voices bring, for it is beyond description, to here an angel sing.

I know how much you miss me, for I feel your breaking heart, but through our memories that are dear, we're never far apart.  I can't tell you of the splendor, or the peace here in this place, can you just imagine Christmas with our Savior face to face?

I'll ask Him to light your spirit, as I tell him of your love, so then pray for one another, as you lift your eyes above.  So please let your hearts be joyful, and let your spirits sing, for I am spending Christmas in Heaven and I am walking with Christ the King!