Leonila P. Tiu

Leonila “Nellie” P. Tiu age 89 of Chicago passed away on Sunday March 20, 2022. Nellie was born January 17, 1933 in Barugo, Leyte Philippines to the late Geronima Ponferrada Tiu and the late Angel Tiu Sr. She is the beloved mother of Immeline “Lynne” Young (former son in law Pio Young), cherished Nani to Kyra, Nya and Fyona Young. As the oldest child of eight children she is the dear sister of Maria Richter, Angel Tiu Jr., and Rosario Tan and predeceased by Cleofe Caintic, Antonio Ponferrada Tiu, Dr. Concepcion Tiu, and Jose Tiu. She is the loving aunt of Carlota Atienza, Maritess Copiapo, Angelica de Vega, Wilbert Caintic Jr., Rev. Fr. Engelbert Tiu, Nathalie Tiu, Angelica Tiu, Joanna Navarro, Dr. Joan Ayuson, Jeanne Uy, Josephine Tiu, Cherie Tiu, Wendell Tiu, Denise Tiu, Angiedel Segarra, Athena Tiu, Chrisanthydel Tiu, Wilbert T Tan Jr. and Willie Tan, Late Lucresiano Caintic Jr. and Late Joseph Tiu.

During her life while in the Philippines, Nellie attended Holy Cross Academy High School, she then went on to achieve her B.S. in Education from The Divine Word University of Tacloban and then she continued her education by achieving her M.A. in Education from Philippine Normal University. She was a Home Economics Teacher and her students won awards in poetry competitions.

Once Nellie came to the United States she settled in Chicago, IL soon she became a Die Hard Chicago Bulls Fan, she loved to bop around the city via the CTA visiting friends, attending parties and spending time in parishes across Chicago. She was a proud single mother and worked several jobs throughout the years to make a living. In the neighborhood, she was known for gifting fresh fried eggrolls and her inquisitive, welcoming nature. She loved being an engaged grandmother, teaching her granddaughters fundamental home economic tasks, how to pray and how to present and carry themselves well. Nellie had a deep appreciation for plants and flowers; she enjoyed gardening and caring for houseplants. She was an avid viewer of EWTN’s Daily Mass and always tuned into Mother Angelica’s Sorrowful Mysteries. Nellie’s other interests outside of her love of family, religion and Chicago, included her appreciation for classical music, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Barbara Streisand, and Andrea Bocelli. She also loved to travel, having visited over 20 different countries.

Nellie’s visitation will be held Saturday March 26, 2022 from 4-8 pm at Drake and Son Funeral Home, 5303 N Western Ave., Chicago, IL Mass of Christian Burial will be said Monday March 28, at 11:00 am at St Matthias Church, 4910 N Claremont Ave, Chicago, IL ,officiated by Monsignor Jim Kaczrowski.

Family members, Pio Young, Wilbert T Tan Jr, Willy Tan, Redouan Ezzaroualy, Earvin Aquino, and Leon Ambubuyog will be serving as the pallbearers.