Obituary of Meta Marie Tews
Meta Marie Tews was born on August 1, 1916, in Chicago. She was one of five children born to Alfred and Lillian (Illings) Haupt. Her siblings included her sisters Anna, Lillian and Grace, and her brother, Alfred. Her maternal grandparents owned a paint store on 63rd street, and they were a big part of her early life. She often talked about all the love and simple joys she remembered growing up.
After graduating high school, she met and married the love of her life, Gus (Gustave Alfred) in 1937. Together, they had three children, Barbara, Gary and Tom. The young family lived with Gus’ parents on Chicago’s south side until moving to their own house in Ashburn. A great cook and housekeeper, Meta also became a Boy Scout mom, played a mean game of pinochle, and even found time to occasionally whip up her famous potato pancakes for the neighborhood basketball team Gus coached.
Even after her beloved Gus passed away in 1976, Meta continued to embrace life with all her heart. She had an adventurous spirit, loved to travel, and loved spending time with her family. A beloved grandmother to Marcie, Ron, Greg, Sandy, Jake and Sara, Meta also relished the joys of having eight great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. The matriarch of her family, she was loved by nieces, nephews and cousins of every generation.
Meta was also treasured by her church family. A woman of strong faith, she was an active member of her congregation and enjoyed contributing in different ways, from cooking and quilting to simply spending time with those in need.
In her final years, Meta resided at Rock Run Place, an assisted living center in Joliet. Feisty and still full of adventure, she was loved by staff and residents alike. Many recall how she liked to speed-walk her walker down the halls. She also loved to sing, loud and strong, even if the tune wasn’t quite clear to anyone but her.
Meta passed away peacefully at Rock Run Place on the afternoon of March 25, 2021. She leaves behind a legacy of love that spans over 104 years, and she will be dearly missed by the many, many lives she has touched throughout her life.
Visitation will be held on Monday, March 29, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. until funeral services begin at 11:00 a.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.), Joliet. Face masks are required, social distancing and capacity restrictions will be observed.
The family has requested to livestream the funeral services, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Please click on this link (https://youtu.be/MJRUptCCU-8) and follow the instructions to share your support, love and prayers with the family, even if you are unable to attend in person.
Interment will be in Bethania Cemetery in Justice, IL.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
