Obituary of Lucille E. Chesser

Lucille E. "Lu" Chesser 2/25/1925 - 3/24/2019 Lucille (Lu) E. Chesser, prominent Tucson resident for 70 years and a driving force in real estate for three decades, died Sunday morning March 24th in her sleep, at Skyline Estates Assisted Living in Tucson. She was born on February 25th, 1925 in Wyanet, IL to Alive and George Edminster and graduated from Wyanet High School in 1942. She is survived by two brothers, Warren (Beverley) and Lowell (Linda); three sons, Alan (Sharyn), Christopher and Steven (Denise); four grandchildren, Brendyn Thé (Kevin), Ceit Blue (Christopher), Kara Chesser, and Ian Chesser and three great grandchildren. Lu and her husband, the late Ian M. Chesser, MD, who was a leading Tucson citizen in his own right, moved to Tucson from Chicago in 1949, shortly after he returned from service in the US Army as Chief of Orthopedics in the Mediterranean Theater during WWII. Dr. Chesser ("Ches") was a founding partner of the Thomas-Davis Clinic and practiced general surgery until he retired. Lu held leadership positions in various women's groups and volunteer organizations. She enjoyed her membership in Women at the Top and was an active patron of Tucson arts and University of Arizona athletics. After years as a nationally recognized dog breeder, she received her real estate license in 1974, and quickly became one of Tucson's best-known realtors. According to Hank Amos, owner of Tucson Realty and Trust, she was the "Queen of Tucson luxury real estate". Long Realty awarded her with its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. In 1982, she made history by selling Tucson's first million-dollar home. Her clients included politicians, authors, professional athletes, musicians and members of the Hollywood elite. Those who knew her remember her work ethic and gregarious personality, which was reflected by the frequent events and gatherings at her El Encanto Estates home. She lived up to her slogan, "When only the best will do." Her ashes will be interred at St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church. No service or memorial is yet planned.