Lillian Downey

Lillian Downey obituary, Chester, IL

Lillian Downey

Upcoming Events

Oct

11

Visitation

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

839 Lehmen Drive, Chester, IL 62233

Send Flowers

Oct

11

Memorial service

11:00 a.m.

839 Lehmen Drive, Chester, IL 62233

Send Flowers

Lillian Downey Obituary

Visit the Pechacek Funeral Homes - Chester website to view the full obituary.

LILLIAN DOWNEY, 78, of Chester, Illinois, passed away at 12:11 pm, Monday, September 22, 2025 in Gorham, Illinois.

She was born to the late Elroy and Eva (nee Niemeyer) Weaver on December 8, 1946 in Blair, Illinois.

Lillian married William Downey, Sr. in September 1969; he survives.

She had worked as a Certified Nurses Assistant in home healthcare for several years. She had also worked as at Gilster Mary-Lee Corporation and was a beautician.

Lillian was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Chester. She enjoyed playing scratch off lottery tickets. Lillian loved spending time with her family and going to her grandchildren’s sporting events.

Survivors:

   Husband: 

        William Downey, Sr. Chester, IL

   1 Son: 

        David (Heather) Downey, Sr. Gorham, IL

   1 Sister: 

        Linda (Raymond) Smith Rice, IL

   8 Grandchildren: 

        William (Shelby) Downey III, Krista (Colton) Bailey, Michael Allen Downey, Jr., Derek (Brittany) Downey, Michael (Kayla) McDonald, Janelle Downey, Danielle Long and David Downey, Jr.

   Many Loved Great Grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in Death by: Parents, 1 Daughter – Lisa Weaver, 2 Sons – William Downey, Jr. and Michael Downey, Sr. and 2 Siblings – Kenneth Weaver and Lily Mae Weaver

Memorial Service: 

   11:00 am, Saturday, October 11, 2025

   Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, Illinois

Officiating: 

   Rev. Timothy Sims

Inurnment: 

   Evergreen Cemetery

   Chester, Illinois

Visitation: 

   Saturday – 9:00 am – 11:00 am

   Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, Illinois

Memorials: 

   To the Family

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

Pechacek Funeral Homes - Chester

839 Lehmen Dr, Chester, IL 62233

Make a Donation
in Lillian Downey's name

How to support Lillian'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 Lillian Downey'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

Upcoming Events

Oct

11

Visitation

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

839 Lehmen Drive, Chester, IL 62233

Send Flowers

Oct

11

Memorial service

11:00 a.m.

839 Lehmen Drive, Chester, IL 62233

Send Flowers