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Lillian D. Cunningham
Born: May 5, 1927
Died: September 24, 2018
Lillian DeSitter Cunningham, of La Grange and Northbrook, Illinois, passed peacefully on September 24.
Lillian was born in Chicago on May 5, 1927 to Louis and Elvire DeSitter. She was the wife of the late Thomas P. Cunningham; devoted mother to Nancy (Edward) Mello, Thomas J., Mark (Elizabeth), John (Jill) and the late Susan M. Cunningham; loving grandmother to Melanie, Alex and the late Christopher Wilcox, Claire, Luke, Quinn, Kevin, Juliann, Ellyn and the late Katherine Cunningham; and caring younger sister to the late Muriel Courtney and Louis DeSitter. Lillian is survived by her brother-in-law, David F. Cunningham of Lake Oswego, Oregon and sixteen nieces and nephews.
Lillian had fond memories and formed many lifelong friendships from her high school and college years spent at Longwood Academy (Class of 1944) and Rosary College (Class of 1948) where she earned a B.A. in Economics. After graduating, she obtained a teacher's certificate and went on to teach elementary school at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic School in La Grange. She and her husband, Tom, raised their five children in La Grange which the family calls home.
Lillian's family, dear friends and community were at the center of her life. Before enduring the difficult effects of a stroke in her mid-70s, Lillian was an involved parent and grandma who spent quality time with her children and grandchildren. She would gladly offer of herself whether it was playing games with her grandchildren, preparing a delicious meal or helping with homework. When her children were in elementary school, she served as a Room Mother and Teacher's Assistant in the Art Program.
She also served as President of the Nazareth Academy Mother's Club. She was very involved within the church community serving as a Minister of Holy Communion for the elderly and a leader of the Prayer Program. Lillian loved to entertain, travel with her husband and read for pleasure - she read the Harry Potter series so she could keep up with her grandchildren.
She was proud of her Belgian heritage and made an effort to maintain her relationships with her close friends in Belgium. Lillian was an avid bridge player for many years and she exhibited her competitive spirit when playing a favorite game - Scrabble. She was soft spoken, kind natured, a woman of her word and true to her faith.
Visitation 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. Friday (October 5) at St. Francis Xavier Church followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Songs by Heart Foundation, an organization devoted to connecting people with memory loss to the language and joy of music, are appreciated. Songs by Heart Foundation, c/o Eric Fox, Treasurer, 1700 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20006-4723. Please note donations "in memory of Lillian Cunningham".
Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home, Countryside. Info: 708-352-6500 or hjfunerals.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Hallowell & James Funeral Home - Countryside.
To all of Lillian's family'
My deepest sympathy to all of you. Treasure your wonderful memories of your mom/grandmother. I was a Rosary classmate of Lillian's and hold many wonderful memories of Lillian's thoughtfulness and hospitality. Lillian and all of you are in my prayers.
Loretta Kalina
October 13, 2018
Tom and Family:
I was blessed to have met your mother/grandmother whenever I visited Tom especially in my younger college days. Mrs. Cunningham was always a warm and welcoming host. I know she is resting in heaven with Mr. Cunningham and smiling down on her beautiful family.
Jeff Yu
October 5, 2018
Nancy and family - we are so very sorry for your loss. Your mother sounded like a beautiful soul - I wish we would have had the opportunity to have known her.
Love
Bart and Laura Goodwin
Emily Goodwin
Matthew Myers
Ashley Brennan
Goodwin
October 4, 2018
Tom & Family: Sorry for your Loss, Mom & Dad are Looking down upon ALL, The Korzyniewski Family is Praying for Mom.
October 2, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
October 1, 2018
Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your dear mother and grandmother. May your fond memories and the peace that God gives comfort and strengthen you during this difficult time. Phillipians 4:6,7,13
TB
September 30, 2018
Deepest sympathy and condolences to the entire family for the loss of your beloved Lillian. May the depth of your faith and the love of those who also share your loss comfort you. - 1 Thessalonians 4:14
C. Escobar
September 30, 2018
I am sorry for your loss. Please take comfort in Psalms 29:11, knowing that in difficult times like this, God gives peace and strength. DM
September 30, 2018
Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Cunningham. Draw close to God in prayer in your time of grief as he promises to stay close to you. Romans 12:12
Penny. J
September 30, 2018
My sincere condolences to your family for the loss of your love one. May the God of comfort be with you during this sad occasion and may his loving words at John 6:40 console your heart.
Z L
September 30, 2018
a loved one
September 29, 2018
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