Kathleen Lill

Kathleen L. Lill was born on September 24, 1929, in Berryville, Virginia. She died on January 25, 2025, after a brief illness.



She lived in West Virginia as a child, moving to Washington, D.C., at 18 years old, ready and excited to make her way in the world. She proudly worked as a secretary before her three children were born, at which time she devoted her energies full-time to raising a family. Then, after a gap of almost 20 years, she rejoined the workforce. She began her illustrious career at World Bank, working there until she retired in 1992. Once she retired, Kathleen devoted her time to a life-long dream of obtaining a college education. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland University College in May 2004. An avid bridge player, traveler, reader, and party hostess, Kathleen made friends wherever she landed.

Kathleen was predeceased by her husband, Richard Lill (2018), and her beloved daughter Janet Lill (2021). She is survived by her son, Richard Gregory Lill, daughter Cynthia Lill DeLaPena (Cordell), and devoted son-in-law Vittorio Mezzano. Her grandchildren, Cordell "Trey" DeLaPena (Lane), Cameron DeLaPena (Hillary Adams), and Taylor DeLaPena brought her many years of joy, as did Trey and Lane's children, Graysen Cordell and Penelope Rose.

She donated her body to science. After completion of the research study, she will be interred with Richard at Arlington National Cemetery.