Lillian A. Kucharz

Lillian Ann Kucharz (née Stiglich), age 96, a long-time resident of Joliet, passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at Serenity Estates, Morris, IL. Born December 14, 1929 in Joliet, IL, Lillian was the daughter of Charles and Pauline Stiglich (née Senffner).

She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Joseph A. Kucharz; her parents; brothers, Charles (Alice) Stiglich, Franklin (Lillian) Stiglich; and sisters Rose (Eugene) Pesavento and Frances (Ronald) Zola.

Lillian is survived by her four children, Paula (Mark Hamilton) Scottsdale, AZ; Joseph (Kathy) Naperville, IL; Mary Jo (Michael Suppan) Lisle, IL and Virginia (Jim) Jones Channahon, IL; her five grandchildren, Elizabeth (Brayden) Sherrick; Kristyn (David) Mancini; Andrew (Jessica) Jones; Kyle (Abbie) Kucharz; and Michael Suppan; her two great-grandchildren; Wyler Sherrick and Theo Kucharz, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Lillian was raised in Joliet and graduated from St. Mary Nativity Grade School and St. Francis Academy High School. In her youth, Lillian played cello in an all-female Croatian tamburitza band that included her sister Rose. Lillian worked at Gregg Moter Sales as a bookkeeper where she met and married her husband, Joe. After raising her children, she went back to work at Wieboldt’s Department Store in Joliet, and later worked for the Joliet Park District. She was a longtime member of St. Mary Nativity Church in Joliet and served as a Reader for many years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Mary Nativity Church at 702 N. Broadway St. Joliet, IL 60435 or https://giving.myparishsoft.io//app/giving/st706296 .

Per Lillian’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and a Celebration of Life Memorial Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until 10:00 am on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 in the Nativity Room of Saint Mary Nativity Church, 706 N Broadway St. Joliet, IL 60435 with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 am. Immediately following Mass, we will travel in procession to Saint Mary Nativity Cemetery, 601 Caton Farm Rd. Crest Hill, IL 60441 for a Chapel Committal Service before Lillian’s remains will be inurned alongside her husband Joseph.