Gretchen C. Romelli (nee Eide)

Gretchen Christine Eide Romelli, beloved wife of 22 years of Joseph P. Romelli and devoted mother of Alexander C. Lewellen and Dominic A. Romelli, both of Cincinnati, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 13, 2021. She was the daughter of Peter D. Eide of Owensville, Ohio, and the late Mary L. (nee Souders) Eide; sister of Kirk P. Eide and Olaf K. Eide, both of Batavia, Ohio; Derrick B. Eide of Lancaster, Pennsylvania; and the late Leif Eide.

Gretchen was a mother, wife, friend, professor, chef, and more, but listing her accomplishments does not truly describe her. She was a dynamo, a remarkably kind person who also did not put up with any nonsense, someone you wanted by your side as you faced challenges or navigated day-to-day life, a true Valkyrie. Gretchen was brilliant, stylish, well-traveled, and creative in every endeavor she undertook. Her cakes and cookies were works of art, her meals were heavenly, and she brought her amazing food to friends and family in any crisis or celebration. She embodied the Scandinavian concept of hygge, “providing comfort.”

She was a fierce and loyal friend who was also so much fun—witty, beautiful, full of wonder and wonderful—and she never stopped trying to make the world around her a better place. She was there before you even knew you needed her, super supportive and willing to do anything for a friend. Gretchen was incredibly protective of her children as well, and she was deeply involved in providing the best life for them. She co-founded Autistic Endeavors, a non-profit that worked to raise funds and awareness of the educational and socialization needs of children with autism. She worked tirelessly for this cause.

Gretchen Eide Romelli was a professor of sociology who taught at Cincinnati State, IvyTech, and Mount St. Joseph University.  She was also employed by Mercy Health Jewish Hospital in Kenwood. Her life was centered on doing what she could for others in so many ways, and so many who benefited from knowing her are far better people for having had her in their lives. She is still giving comfort, providing hygge, and spreading happiness, because Gretchen will stay with the people she cared about in a very real way, and the people in her life will never forget her.

A Celebration of the life of Gretchen Eide Romelli will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to help the family with expenses. Venmo Address: @Joseph-Romelli  or https://gofund.me/35d5368b  Ralph Meyer & Deters Funeral Home assisting the family.

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