Mrs. Lillian Podgorski of Hoffman Estates

Lillian Violet Podgorski, of Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Lillian Violet Podgorski, nee Zachara, was born in Chicago on March 12,1920 and passed peacefully on October 11, 2017 at the age of 97. Lillian was proceeded in death by her husband, Joseph, Mother Mary, nee Ryszewska and Father Vincent, as well as sisters Rose (Bruno) Mielak, Emily Zahara, Jean (Edward) Pondell, Mae (John) Allen, brothers Edward Zahara, Stanley Zahara and Henry Zahara. She leaves behind her two children, Robert (Constance) Podgorski and Beverly (Rick) Nesbitt, three grandchildren, Debra Attiah, Katherine Just and David Podgorski and six great grandchildren, Jenna and Jack Just; Annika, Ronan and Laila Attiah and Mars Podgorski. Lillian led an exemplary life. She and her husband Joseph married and lived in Chicago, worked for several companies then retired in 1978 to Las Vegas, NV. Lillian, returning to Chicago in 1998 to begin life anew, after losing her dear husband Joseph. She loved sewing and had her “Happy Room” where she spent hours sewing crafts, designing and sewing her own fashionable clothing, and creating gifts for friends and family. She was a volunteer with the Kenneth Young Center Thrift Shop, Schaumburg, IL. Prayed daily for the well-being of her friends and family, often lighting candles and saying special prayers for healing and recovery for those in distress around her. Lillian always had a penchant for writing to family members, never forgetting a birthday or anniversary, sending a special card and note. She prided herself on having a personally made wardrobe, mending and altering items for friends and family and sharing the many special and one-of-a-kind photos of family and friends with their children. She could name over two hundred actors and actresses, dating back to the 1920’s, talkies, silent film stars and entertainers, with a sharp memory and active mind throughout her life. Despite her many life-long health issues, in her younger years she was a ballerina dancer and enjoyed ballroom and casual dancing. She took in the arts, taking pleasure in early musical and epic movies, entertainment performances and theatre productions. She had very close and long-standing friendships, which she so cherished. She will be truly missed as a positive force in a world of turmoil. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to JourneyCare Hospice, the Kenneth Young Center, or your favorite charity in memory of Lillian Podgorski. She will be waked at Morizzo Funeral Home, 2550 Hassell Road, Hoffman Estates, 1:00 pm to time of service at 4:00 pm on October 13, 2017. Her burial will take place at Saint Adalbert Catholic Cemetery, in Niles, Illinois; next to her beloved Joseph. For information please contact (847) 752-6444.

Mrs. Lillian Podgorski of Hoffman Estates

March 12, 1920 - October 11, 2017