Lillian Murphy

Lillian Murphy (nee Lukancic) passed away peacefully on July 4, 2026, at the Lightways Hospice Home, at the age of 97.

Lillian was born in Joliet, Illinois, on June 7, 1929, to Louis and Paula (Matko) Lukancic. Lillian’s parents immigrated to the United States from Slovenia, Lillian was the oldest of their nine children. Lillian graduated from St. Joseph Grade School in 1943, and Joliet Central High School in 1947. She married the love of her life, Clarence, at St. Joseph Church on August 7, 1948. After the youngest of her 5 children started grade school, Lillian began work as a Ward Clerk at St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet. She worked in that capacity for 30 years and made numerous lifelong friends along the way.

Lillian was steadfast in her Catholic faith, and boundless in her love as a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Lillian’s love for travel took her to numerous places, including the home of her parents in Slovenia; the Vatican in Rome; and the Cathedral of Notre Dame and Eiffel Tower in Paris. She also made numerous trips to Disney World. Many of those who knew her will forever associate Lillian with Tinkerbell, butterflies, writing “xoxo” on cards, and playing the “birthday candle” for loved ones on their birthdays. There was always a picture puzzle in progress on a table in Lillian’s dining room. Lillian’s strength in character and determination was demonstrated by, among many other things, her ability to live independently at her home up until the week of her passing.

Lillian is survived by her children: Michael (Lorraine) Murphy; Robert (Patricia) Murphy; Patricia Frohman; and Carol (James) Reeb. She is survived by four grandchildren: Timothy (Magdalena) Reeb; Mark (Catherine) Murphy; Sara (Alexander) Zandford; and Megan Frohman. She is also survived by six great grandchildren: Bonnie Lillian Reeb; Benjamin, Beckham, and Charles Murphy; Cyrus Zandford; and Hendrix Johnson. She is survived by her brother Dr. Louis (and his wife Barbara) Lukancic; her sister Angela (late Walter) Zaida; Brother-in-law Dr. Kent (late Dr. Mildred) Monroe; and numerous nieces, nephews, and treasured friends.

Lillian is preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband of 54 years, Clarence Murphy (2003); and her son James (2010). She is also preceded in death by her siblings Emma (and her husband Robert) Bechler; Helen (and her husband Ray) Valerugo; John (and his wife Anna Mae) Lukancic; Dr. Mildred Monroe; James (and his wife Patricia) Lukancic; and Maryann Lukancic; and her niece, Nancy Thacker.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Tezak Home to Celebrate Life. Cremation rites will be accorded. Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 9:00am at St Joseph Church, 416 N. Chicago St., Joliet, IL. Visitation will be followed with a Mass of Christian Burial (also at St. Joseph Church) at 10:00am. Inurnment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care, St. Joseph Parish, or St. Jude Research Hospital will be appreciated.