Ellen Stella

Of Arlington Heights

Ellen “Trudy” Stella was born on June 16, 1945, in Chicago, IL to Robert & Gwendolyn (née Dean) Connors. She passed away peacefully on December 12, 2020, at home with her loving husband Jim by her side.

Trudy was raised in McHenry, IL with her two sisters Karen and Gail. This is also where she met her husband James. They were High School sweethearts and were married for 56 years.

They moved to Arlington Heights, IL, where they raised three children, ran their businesses, and then enjoyed retirement together along with their six grandchildren for 51 years. Trudy ownedthe Li’l Scrapper scrapbooking stores in Arlington Heights and Algonquin, before retiring in 2010. She was very involved in collecting, everything from Beanie Babies back in the late 90’s to her true passion Department 56 Villages. She would even do Holiday Window decorations with Department 56 Villages at many local stores that sold the products.Trudy is survived by her husband James Stella; children Tammany (Chad) Droll, James Stella and Tiffany (Zak) Greer along with six grandchildren Haleigh Greer, Zachary Greer, Sean Droll, Jacob Greer, Robert Droll, and Grace Droll and sisters Karen (Jerry) Walsh, Gail (Billy) Kortum and Colleen Bond “Cuz” as well several cousins, nieces and nephews. Due to Covid restrictions the service will be limited to immediate family only.In lieu of flowers we asked that donations be made to the Greer Fire Relief Fund for her daughter Tiffany whose house burned down the night before her mother passed.Information and condolences can be given at www.GlueckertFuneralHome.com or (847) 253-0168.