Search by Name

Search by Name

Irene Lilly Obituary

Irene Gabriel Lilly, 93, a long time resident of Fox Lake passed away peacefully at home on June 12, 2011. She was born on Dec. 27, 1917 in Chicago to Frank and Amelia (nee Assa) Koeller. Irene loved life and lived it fully. She enjoyed traveling to faraway places such as China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the Pacific Islands and more. In the 1950s, Irene became a private pilot with an instrument rating and a night rating. She logged many happy hours flying her own plane with her husband, Adam, also a private pilot. She served as both Vice President and then President of the Chicago area chapter of The 99's, a women's flying organization founded by Amelia Earhart. She will be remembered lovingly and sorely missed by loving daughters, Judith Irene McGowan and Amelia Ann (John A.) Medved; her eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and by her four great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Adam Frank Gabriel; and then her second husband, Col. Grady Lilly; her son Joseph Adam Gabriel; by her parents; and brothers, Edward and James Koeller. Services and interment will be private.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Jun. 15, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Irene Lilly

Not sure what to say?





3 Entries

Amy Jeanne Gabriel Johnson

June 16, 2011

My Grandma "Sweetie" was a strong, sensible, thoughtful lady that did so much for our family. Now she joins the other members of our family that have passed. She will be loved & missed always. We, as a family, will carry on and make her proud. Amy Jeanne Gabriel Johnson (Grand Rapids, MI)

david losey

June 15, 2011

My grandmother was a wonderful down to earth woman who wore her heart on her sleeve. Those of us who were blessed to be touched by her will always carry her in our hearts.

Linda Asa

June 15, 2011

My father Thomas Asa had many fond memories of Irene and her brothers Ed and Jim, especially playing at their grandfather's house on Hoyne Ave. My deepest sympathy on the loss of this grand lady.
Sincerely
Linda Asa

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in Irene Lilly's name

Memorial Events
for Irene Lilly

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Irene's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Irene Lilly's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more