Photo courtesy of Markiewicz Funeral Home, P.C. - Lemont
May 12, 1960 - Jan 20, 2026
oh Steff,Im so sorry you left us,Look out heaven here she comes!!! As much as you will be missed here ,I know what you will accomplish from up north,Love you Steph tell ma hi from Joey and I
joe szynkowski
March 24, 2026 | Galena, IL
Steffie- I thank God that I had such a kind, funny and tough woman in my life while I was growing up. I have nothing but positive memories of you.... I love you.
Shan-nan-nan
Shannon Brown
February 16, 2026 | Kankakee, IL | Friend
It was a privilege to work with Steff. She consistently greeted others with a smile and genuine kindness, and I will always remember our morning visits and conversations over coffee. I am deeply sorry for your loss, and I extend my sincere condolences to her family and all who loved her.
Azucena Rodriguez
February 11, 2026 | Orland Park, IL | Coworker
Awesome testament to Steff. Kate and I pray for you and your family, Jeff. Peace to all.
Kate and Tom McCarrin
February 07, 2026
Dear Jeff and Family,
We are so very sorry to hear of Steph's passing. She was an amazing person who always greeted everyone with that wonderful smile of hers. The world has lost a truly lovely soul. She will be greatly missed.
Sending love and deepest sympathy to you all.
Brian & Lori Sahs
January 27, 2026 | Lemont, IL | Friend
Jeff, so sorry to hear of Steff’s passing. Prayers to you and your family.
Debbie Conley Nona
January 26, 2026 | Friend
I was deeply saddened to hear of Steff’s passing. Working with her for several years at Argonne was a true gift; I will never forget the warmth she extended to me from day one. She was someone always willing to help out and fill a supportive role.
I’ll never forget the bond we formed over our love of critters and shopping trips. She was entering 'grandma-hood' around the time I entered motherhood, and her advice and stories meant the world to me. I’ll always remember the joy she...
Jacquie Otmanski
January 26, 2026 | Coworker
Where does one begin to reminisce some of my greatest memories of my life? Steff was surely part of it and she will surely be missed upon this earth. Her smile and graciousness will always be remembered.
Patti Sockness
January 25, 2026 | Lakeland, FL | Coworker
Dear Jeff, Brit, and Nick, Words cannot express our sadness and sympathy for your family at this time. Our friend Steff will always be remembered as the positive, smiling, outgoing person we have know since our High School days. Whether it was the parties on Frontage Rd. back in the day, the sporting events when our kids were growing up, or just hanging out, it was always the best of times. I will never forget the HEY WOP drive-bys on Shultz St. on your way home. We would...
Dave DiSanto
January 23, 2026 | Lemont, IL | Friend
Stephanie Lynn Kendzora (née Thilmont), known affectionately by all as “Steff”, age 65, passed away on January 20, 2026 surrounded by love.
Loving and devoted wife to Jeff Kendzora for 39 years, and supportive mother to Britney (Sean) Osborne and Nick (Heather) Kendzora. Steff’s greatest joy came from her grandchildren: Charley, Wade & Cal Osborne and Eleanor Kendzora. To them, she was “Momo” - witty and fun-loving.
Steff was everyone’s cheerleader, on and off the field. From baseball fields to soccer stadiums, to hockey rinks, she was the loudest and the proudest one in the stands. She sprinkled a little bit of team spirit throughout each and every game.
Steff had a soft spot for all living creatures; especially her fur baby Hardy Jones, and her fur grandbabies Rowdy, Foxxy, Piper and Keke, who were every bit of family to her, and brought her so much happiness.
Steff worked as an Administrative Assistant for over 45 years. She was organized, dependable, hardworking and always willing to go above and beyond. Steff was the first person to offer help and the last person to ask for it. She measured success in quality, not quantity.
Outside of work, Steff could be found wandering the aisles of HomeGoods or Kohls for her next treasures. She was creative and had a natural talent for making spaces and people feel cared for. Steff loved the Chicago White Sox, yard work, and sentimental trinkets.
Steff never missed an opportunity to capture life moments on film. She cherished her collection of photo albums, like treasured keepsakes; preserving a lifetime of memories for the next generation to share. Every picture meant something to Steff; she had a story to tell, for each and every one.
When Steff spoke, her smile reached her eyes. She had the innate ability to make complete strangers feel some sense of familiarity; like an old friend who simply wanted to catch up on lost time. She was a constant reminder to always look for and seek out the humor in life; it was there if you looked hard enough.
Steff was preceded in death by her mother Eleanor “Pat” Lupa, her step father Edward Lupa, father Fred Thilmont & brother Jeff Thilmont.
She was a wonderful sister in law to Cindy (Mike) Wilkinson, an amazing Aunt to Kole Thilmont, Renay (Jeremy) Stanek, Eric (Dana) Wilkinson, loyal friend and cousin to many.
While her absence leaves an immeasurable ache, the legacy she leaves behind in her family, her kindness and the countless lives she touched will live on forever.
Steff will be remembered for her humor, creativity, and her endless generosity; her love came with no strings attached. She will be profoundly missed but her spirit will be felt in every story, every picture, every treasure, and every cheer from the stands.
A celebration of Steff’s life will be open to the public on Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 3pm - 9pm at: Lemont VFW 15780 New Ave, Lemont, IL 60439.
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