Lillian Piontkowski, 94, formerly of Hinsdale and longtime resident of Downers Grove, passed away peacefully Jan. 3, 2021, with her family at her side.
Lillian was born in 1926 in Chicago to Frank and Stella Kurpiel.
Lillian met her future husband, Eugene, at a dance hall, and ever since they have danced gracefully through life together, both on and off the dance floor. First on the dance floor and last ones off, no party or event was complete until Lillian and Eugene arrived. They could really cut the rug, whether it be a traditional polka, a waltz, or the jitterbug.
Family was always first and foremost for Lillian, who was the glue that brought everyone together for all occasions. As a homemaker, Lillian was generous with her time and completely devoted to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews, who were blessed and are grateful to have had her as a positive role model in their lives. Lillian spent endless hours attending dance recitals, sporting events and theatrical performances with cheers and words of encouragement.
Enjoying the outdoors was a lifetime love of Lillian's that began in the 1940s, when she and her cousins would take the train from Chicago to Wisconsin Dells to enjoy the water and wilderness. After her marriage to Eugene, the family spent many hours camping together. A few of their most memorable trips were to South Dakota, Mississippi Palisades State Park and Wisconsin, along with ones spent with her sister, Rose, and brother-in-law, Chuck, in the mountains of Tennessee. Family and friends have fond memories of swimming, hiking, boating and spending long evenings around the campfire with Lillian and Eugene. Lillian loved the beaches in Florida where she and Eugene spent their winters during retirement. Arts and crafts were a favorite hobby, and Lillian took pleasure in painting and incorporated the beauty of nature she found while on her camping excursions into her artwork.
While in Golfview Hills, Lillian was a member of the St. Isaac Jogues Bible Study group and the Golfview Hills Women's Club. She also volunteered along with Eugene for many years at the Downers Grove Senior Center, helping to prepare food for Meals on Wheels. She enjoyed cooking for family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene; her brothers, Stanley (late Cecelia), Frank (late Helen Creed), Harry (late May), Casey (Betty) and John (late Adeline).
Lillian is survived by her children, Teresa (John) Thorsen, James (Nanette) and Karen (Thomas) Fitzgibbons; her grandchildren, Melissa (Brett) Joseph, Ashley Piontkowski and Kyle and Sean Patrick Fitzgibbons; her great-grandchildren, Vivian and Isla Joseph; her sister, Rose (the late Chuck) Jessee; and many nieces and nephews.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a memorial Mass will be held at a later date. Lillian will be interred next to her Eugene at Abraham Lincoln Cemetery in Elwood at a later date.
Toon Funeral Home in Downers Grove handled the arrangements.
