Lauren Cavallo-Runzel Obituary

Cavallo-Runzel, Lauren Died on Saturday, May 26, surrounded by her husband, William L. Runzel IV, her six children, and her immediate family members. Lauren was a person of immeasurable gifts and versatility, whose larger than life personality was the inevitable result of a storied heritage. Her father, the late bandleader, Chuck Cavallo, and her mother, Arlene E. Causey, a former Miss Oak Street Beach, Miss Chicago, Miss Illinois and runner-up to Miss America, brought her and her three siblings up in a house filled with music of all kinds, from Bach to Duke Ellington. Chuck Cavallo is still remembered by those in Chicago who wanted to have the most impeccable and elegant music for their weddings and other important occasions. From her father, she learned an appreciation for beauty in all of its forms: fine furniture, paintings, sculpture and design. From her mother, the daughter of a coal miner from Harlan County, Kentucky and a self-taught intellectual, she learned along with her three siblings, Chuck, Barbara and Susan, a love for literature, especially poetry. Lauren will be remembered for so many things. As a member of Glamour Agency in Paris, she had a fabulous career as a runway and photographic model in Europe from 1978-1982. During this time she did all of the important shows in Paris and MilanSaint Laurent, Gucci, Dior, Armani, Versacewhile gracing the pages of French and Italian magazines from Votre Beauté, Elle, Vogue, to Cosmopolitan. When she met her future husband Bill Runzel, she returned to Chicago and continued to work as a successful model with David and Lee in Chicago until she created her own company, Good Looks. GL performed a number of services from closet organization to personal shopping to special make-up for weddings, anniversaries and gala occasions. Four years ago she fulfilled a long-standing dream to create her own boutique, Gavin, on Central Street in Evanston, so that all women, regardless of age, body type or lifestyle, could feel not only chic but beautiful. This was one of her most outstanding gifts: from her years at the height of the fashion business, she had an unerring instinct for style, and she shared this talent with all of her friends and clients. Lauren could make anybody pretty! But she was not only a fashionista. Lauren graduated from Tulane University with a dual major in history and French; and before she decided to return to Paris where she had spent her junior year abroad with Middlebury College, she applied and was accepted to several law schools. She also found time once she returned to Chicago to accept a teaching assistantship in French in the Department of Modern Languages & Literatures at Loyola University. She would have completed her MA in French had not the French graduate program closed like so many during the 1980s. Lauren was quadrilingual, at ease in French, Spanish and Italian in addition to her native English. She was also a trophy-winning triathlete, placing first or near first in her age group while raising six children. In fact, when she was on The Oprah Winfrey Show in the 1990s in a program entitled, "Models with Children," she responded without irony to Oprah's question as to what she did for relaxation, "Between each child, I allow myself a triathlon." Captain of Evanston Township High School's diving team and a star at the butterfly stroke on the swim team, an avid tennis player, and an enthusiastic boater with her husband Bill, Lauren also found time to volunteer in her children's grammar school, St. Athanasius, inaugurating "Pasta Day," coaching basketball, creating the French program and collaborating in the yearly student tour to France. She was one of the angels of her favorite charity, Boys Hope Girls Hope, an organization that provides housing and Catholic school education to promising inner-city children, from K through college. In fact, when she recently heard that she was to receive the organization's highest award, she said, "Only if you include my husband Bill, because he is the real benefactor." What sustained Lauren throughout her bout with breast cancer was her deep faith. Lauren was not only a committed Catholic, she was able to communicate her faith to her many friends who were struggling with illness, divorce, the deaths of their parents, siblings and children, economic hardship, and loss of belief. Perhaps one of the pinnacles of her life was a recent visit in the company of her husband, her son Cooper, and her sister Susana, to Padre Pio's shrine in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy. The simplicity of Padre Pio's life and his painful journey which faith made transcendent was a beacon for her until the end. Lauren is survived by her husband, William L. Runzel IV; her children, William L. Runzel V, Victoria Barbara, Gavin Alexandra, Cooper Causey, Charlotte Catherine and Harrison Shallow. Of all the things that brought her the most pride, the singularly most important was her six children's participation in the Best Buddy Program. In fact, her fifth child, Charlotte Catherine, was President of Best Buddy's during her senior year in high school (2011-2012), a role that her youngest, Harrison Shallow, has vowed to fill. She will never be forgotten by her husband and children, her brother, Dr. Charles A. Cavallo, her sister, Dr. Susana Cavallo, her late sister, Barbara Bailey, her nineteen nieces and nephews, and innumerable other family members and friends throughout the U.S., Europe and Latin America. The wake for Lauren Cavallo-Runzel will be on Thursday, May 31, from 3-9PM at Donnellan Family Funeral Home, 10045 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL 60077, with the funeral following on Friday morning, June 1, at 10:30AM at St. Athanasius Church, 1615 Lincoln St., Evanston, Il 60201. Interment Bronswood Cemetery, Oak Brook, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to Boys Hope Girls Hope of Chicago, 1100 N. Laramie Ave., Wilmette, Il 60091. Info: 847/675-1990 or www.donnellanfuneral.com.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 30, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
for Lauren Cavallo-Runzel

Not sure what to say?





Laurie was mentioned twice last week on Facebook. The conversation was about where we´re you when you learned how to drive a manual transmission? 2 of us said it was in her bug! We will always miss her!

Jeff Jerome

May 24, 2022

I came across this news tonight just thinking of favourite childhood memories. She was definitely up there. Nice to know she did so much in her life.
Lauren was in my high school chemistry class with Mr Anderson. We were paired up and had a blast. Not literally thankfully.
We went out a couple of times. She was wild eyed and I was fascinated. We had good chemistry (as you would being in class together...) We were young. l was shy. She was wonderful. A real sweetheart.
So happy to see it was a life well-lived.
Josh

Josh Blake

School

April 15, 2022

What a loss for all who knew her!
Tulane, Chicago and the Runzel visit to our home on Perdido Bay! Miss you! Love Jody and John Horner

John Horner

Friend

May 24, 2019

I am so sorry to hear about Lauren's passing. She had more style in her little finger, than most people have in total. She was a nice person and I always enjoyed being with her at Tulane. She was in Louisville in 1987 or so, with Bill,and we got together. What a tragic loss for your beautiful family. She was a real dynamo. Love, Mary Dougherty King

December 2, 2012

Jody and I were so sad to hear of the sad news. We remember Lauren from years ago in New Orleans, the time we spent together in Chicago and the time she and her family came to Lillian for a stay at our home in Alabama. Our memories are of all the laughs and good times over the last 37 years of knowing her and her wonderful family. Peace be with you Lauren, Bill and all those wonderful kids!

John Horner

September 28, 2012

I was just thinking of great times long ago - coaching a girl's softball team at Tulane.

And the gorgeous and vivacious girl who I loaned my red baseball glove to.

And who I gave it to upon my graduation.

So I Googled her.

Lauren.

And that's when I discovered the sad news.

Uncanny that I should now - after all these years - thibnk of her again, so soon after her crossing over.

She is in a better world.

I pray the hole her absence creates for all who loved her and all she loved is soon filled with warm memories that continue to inspire - ever more strongly.

PEACE.

Daniel Aronstein

September 13, 2012

Dearest, you are truly one if the brightest sparks I've ever met, when you walked into
my store, Cottage Jewelers,the whole store lite up, you
are larger than life itself, and
as an angel of God, you will watch over your family and
friends with the intensity of
the universe, which you wear so beautifully.

I was blessed by your presence
Just as your friend, the people
in your inner circle were blessed on an altogether different level of love and beauty.

May your family find peace realizing that God himself
called you back into heaven
for a helping hand that only you
could give.

Fly high and wide my friend,
But don't forget us down here,
we need your moxie to solve
earth bound problems that require angelic attention by one
such as you, thank you for my
almost 38 years of our friendship, and all the gifts you shared with all who knew you
and many gifts you gave to
people you didn't know."

Gone are the days of modeling
for Whispers, your light and love and beauty continue to
Bless us from Gods ocean of
love that we call heaven.

Thank God for you, you are a
Blessing to all , whether in heaven or on earth.




All of us who know you, feel
Richer for that bond, more
importantly, now we know
that heaven itself will be
a better place because of your
love and your beautiful smile.

Ira Rose

June 21, 2012

I am very sorry to hear about Lauren's passing.

Lauren's passion, energy, and strong personality will be sorely missed.

May God be with Lauren's loved ones in this time of remembrance and mourning.

Larry Williams

June 6, 2012

Adieu to Lauren Cavallo-Runzel

A shadow passed
Across the open sky,
I raised my hands,
And wondered why.

Just a cloud-
I thought,
And prepared myself,
For the rain I sought.

Rain did fall,
And soak the soil,
Then my soul-
Began to toil.

The Sun-
I could no longer see-
And darkness spread-
All over me.

A loss of light,
Did occur-
And for a moment,
I could not stir.

A soul had passed,
Along this way,
And made my world-
Darker that day.

A soul so bright,
And full of light,
Had suddenly-
Taken flight.

I reached to touch,
What was above,
Only to find-
A lone white dove.

I knew then,
You'd left this place-
Leaving me,
With an empty space.

And so my friend-
I bid you adieu-
Until that day,
When we are all made new.

Words by Christine A. Jarrett,
Hope the family can find some comfort in knowing they will see her again.

Christine Jarrett

June 5, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss. Your family will be kept in my prayers and my heart. I didn't know Lauren and I probably met her once at a class reunion. I sit here crying and and with a heavy heart feeling your grief. Blessing to you all in this difficult time.

Delores (Mayes) Howard

June 1, 2012

My heart goes out to the whole family. Lauren was so special,fun and loving. She will be missed by all. May you be comforted in the fact she will never be forgotten.

Pamela Causey-Hines

June 1, 2012

I'M NOT ONE FOR THe obits but i had to stay home because my wife became ill well i bought a paper something i rarely do with the internet and all so i see this obit on this outstanding person and i was overwhelmed wow what a person i plan on taking it to work with me and sharing it with some co-workers may your wife rest in peace my wife had breast cancer fortunately the results were different i know for a fact she in heaven all that good work dosen' go unnoticed wow i'm just overwhelmed

RICARDO JOHNSON

June 1, 2012

Bill and the 6 lights of her life......I am so saddened to hear of Laurie/Lauren's passing.I just came in town for my father's passing, and I heard about your loss. She was such a positive source of light and showed us all that it can be done..and always have fun in whatever/wherever you venture...She had passion back when I met her first in the 70's/80's...but nothing ever matched her passion for her family...I can only smile when I think of her
with love and light...Deborah

Deborah Rosen

June 1, 2012

Bill,

We were extremely saddened to learn about the passing of Lauren.

We only spent one evening with both of you, but the pleasant memories of that evening remained with us vividly.

We extend our heartfelt condolences for your loss.

Ben & Shawn Bravin

May 31, 2012

I remember the only lengthy chat I ever got to have with her was about bullying and kids being inclusive, and she had been so shocked and sad to learn that her son was in fact the only child to have ever invited a handicapped classmate over for a play date. She just couldn't understand why that was the case for that classmate. I was so impressed and that has always stuck with me. She knew what mattered.

Catherine Leonard

May 31, 2012

Bill and Runzel children,
Quite a remarkable and stunning lady was Lauren. She will remain in our prayers for a long while. Keep Strong!
God bless, Lauren.
Don & Patty Farrell

Don Farrell

May 31, 2012

Evanston has clearly lost a beautiful woman who enjoyed brightening people's lives.

Delia Farrell

May 31, 2012

Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family, you will be in our prayers.

Tom & Mabel Adelman

May 31, 2012

Just a high school pal who will never forget her. The best!
Captain Jeff Jerome, USN (ret)

May 31, 2012

Bill, so sorry to hear about Lauren, our prayers are with you and your family.

Tom Adelman

May 31, 2012

Bill, My Deepest Sympathy.

Phillip Vasquez

May 31, 2012

Dear Harry and family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies for the loss of your dear mother. We are sorry we never got to personally meet her, but we know she was blessed with a wonderful family. We hope you can focus on the memories of shared moments with her during this time of grief. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Karin Anderson (Aliya's mom) and family

May 31, 2012

Bill,
Prayers of sympathy and support are headed to you and your family. May you take comfort in the your memories and the support of friends and family.

Kay Hise Jenkins

Kay Hise Jenkins

May 31, 2012

Thinking of you during this difficult time.

Life is eternal, and love is immortal, and death is only a horizon; and a horizon is nothing. Save the limit of our sight.

Tom Murphy

May 31, 2012

Bill, I can't tell you how upset and sorry both Rita and I were when we heard of Lauren's passing. She walked through life with a style and class that was the envy and amazement of all who crossed her path. She most certainly will be missed. Tony and Rita Jacobs

May 31, 2012

Bill, I can't tell you how upset and sorry both Rita and I were when we heard of Lauren's passing. She walked through life with a style and class that was the envy and amazement of all who crossed her path. She most certainly will be missed. Tony and Rita

Tony and Rita Jacobs

May 31, 2012

For the light that left us but will never burn out. Rest in peace Lauren.

Lisa Sawczuk

May 31, 2012

Bill, my understanding sympathies to you, your children and extended family. Surround yourself with people you love to help you walk this difficult journey.
I remember meeting Lauren at your side at one of our class reunions and her smile was all telling of her personality and the happiness you two shared.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Joanie Ruppel

May 30, 2012

Laurie will be so missed - so beautiful in so many ways. Love and sympathies to you all. Danny and Tracy Hollenbach

Danny and Tracy Hollenbach

May 30, 2012

A beautiful and extraordinary woman I aspire to be like. She has left a legacy and is an inspiration to many. Her faith and courage allowed her to be a beacon light to those that were blessed to know her.

Sally Hines

May 30, 2012

Our heartfelt sympathy to the Runzel family on the loss of a loving wife and caring mother. Those of us who were fortunate enough to cross Lauren's path during our lives will always remember her fun loving spirit, enthusiasm, zest for life and genuine concern for others. May God give you strength at this difficult time and may your grief be softened by the special moments you have shared with her.
Jim and Carol Braband

Jim & Carol Braband

May 30, 2012

Wonderful,Smart,Confident and Cute, that was the(Laurie)Lauren Cavallo I remember who was nice enough to give me a ride from Sauganash to ETHS the entire year of 1975.
It was cool just to be seen with her when getting out of a VW Bug was not.

Jamie Ahern

May 30, 2012

I first met Lauren at LA Fitness in 2009, where she was an indoor cycling instructor. As a student in her class, she urged me to get Spin certification. I did, and subbed for her at LAF and YMCA. She eventually gave over her LAF class to me. She was a great coach and mentor. Members and instructors at both health clubs valued her enthusiasm, energy and generosity. Heartfelt thoughts of Lauren to her family. Sincere condolences.

Sharon Lieberman

May 30, 2012

Oh my friend...nothing seems real at the moment. I love you so much.

My love and sympathies to all of you....especially Bill, Susan, Will, Torie, Gavin, Cooper, Charlotte and Harry....John, Sam, Charles, Jim :(((
..Lisa, Betty all the 'Old Gang'. How empty this world will be without her!

Rhona Page

May 30, 2012

My memories of Laure go back to ETHS and she lived to be remembered by us all.
My thoughts and prayers for her Family.

Greg Ward

May 30, 2012

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Runzel family. Please accept my sincerest concolences at this difficult time.

May 30, 2012

I am so sorry for the loss of Lauren. She leaves behind a legacy in all of her children. She was a great influence on my son Spencer..Cooper's friend. She will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with the Runzel Family.
Mark Callahan

Mark Callahan

May 30, 2012

Deeply sorry and saddened to hear about Lauren's transition. Our hearts go out to you at this difficult time. Please let us know what we can do, if anything. Peace, Blessings,and Prayers....

Brillianteen

May 30, 2012

I send my sympathies to you. May it bring you comfort to know that God promises to "swallow up death forever."-Is.25:8

JH

May 30, 2012

Fun, inspirational and a joy to be around..my girls,Kristin and Julie and myself will miss her and the memories she brought to us.

susan ockerlund

May 30, 2012

Jack Dungan

May 30, 2012

We knew each other at East Bank and I have shopped at Gavin...seriously,never have I met a more beautiful woman inside and out.Fiercely devoted to her family and the causes she believed in,your spirit and smile will be missed even by those of us who didn't know you well but admired and respected you from afar...I am so saddened by your loss and wish your family peace and hope during this difficult time.
Ellen Brechlin

May 30, 2012

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