Illise Kay Berger Schwartz

In Loving Memory of Illise (Lisa) Kay Berger Schwartz

Lisa, age 76, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a lifetime of love, laughter, and cherished memories. She was a devoted mother, adoring grandmother, beloved sister, loving wife, and a treasured friend to so many. Her warmth, kindness, and adventurous spirit touched the lives of all who knew her.

Loving mother to Jody (Diana Mirel) and Jason (Heather). Dear sister to Bonnie (Roger) Kleinfelder and the late Ronny Berger. Adoring grandmother to Zoe, Zach, and Ean. Wife of Michael Karsen and the late Jerry Schwartz. Cherished aunt of Brian (Marijo) Kleinfelder. Fond great-aunt of Mason and Rhianna. Beloved daughter of the late Samuel and the late Edythe Berger.

Born with an innate curiosity and a love for learning, Lisa attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison, where she laid the foundation for a life filled with passion and purpose. She began her career as an elementary school teacher, shaping young minds with patience and care. But it was in motherhood that she found her greatest joy. After having her two beloved sons, she poured her heart into raising them-always present, always supportive, always their biggest fan. Whether cheering from the sidelines at countless sports games or simply offering her steady, loving guidance, she was the mom who made life safe, exciting, and full of possibilities.

Beyond her family, Lisa had an unshakable dedication to her community. She spent decades volunteering with the League of Women Voters, believing deeply in the power of civic engagement and advocacy. She also nurtured her love for nature while working at Heller Nature Center, where she instilled an appreciation for the outdoors in so many.

As her children grew, Lisa embraced life's next chapter with open arms. She filled her days with friendships, travel, and new experiences-playing mahjong, tennis, and pickleball, laughing over long dinners, and enjoying music-filled evenings at Ravinia. Nonni as she was affectionately known by her grandchildren, spent winters in Florida basking in the warmth of the sun and entertaining her grandkids in their annual visits. Whether strolling through the Botanic Gardens, exploring new places, or simply sharing a meal and a good story, she found joy in every moment.

More than anything, Lisa loved people. She made friends everywhere she went, embracing new experiences and connections with an open heart. She was an incredible cook, always eager to bring people together around a delicious meal. Her Passover dinners were legendary, and Nonni's kugel and brisket recipes will live on for generations. She had an easy, infectious laugh and a spirit of adventure that never faded. But most of all, she adored her family-her grandchildren were the lights of her life, and she showered them with all the love in the world.

Lisa leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and kindness. She is survived by her two sons, Jody and Jason, her dear sister and best friend, Bonnie, her treasured grandchildren, and a wide circle of friends who will forever cherish the time they shared with her. Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that her spirit lives on in the beautiful memories she created with all of us.

She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Rest easy, Lisa. Your love, laughter, and light will stay with us always. May her memory always be a blessing

Service Thursday, 10AM at Oak Park Temple, 1235 North Harlem Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois 60302. Interment Beverly Cemetery, 12000 Kedzie Avenue, Blue Island, Illinois 60406. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dementia Society of America 188 North Main Street, Doylestown, PA 18901, www.dementiasociety.org or Chicago Botanical Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL 60022, www.chicagobotanic.org. To attend the funeral livestream, please visit our website. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com.