Lillian M. (Papesh) Di Bartolomeo

Lillian M. Di Bartolomeo (nee Papesh), age 92, at rest on Wednesday, February 10, 2021.

Lillian is survived by her five sons, Mando III, Anthony (Beth), Francis (Irma), Joseph and Gerald (Sandra) Di Bartolomeo; her grandchildren, Mando IV, Christina (Justin) Taylor, Matthew, Alessandra and Mario, Mark and Nina Di Bartolomeo; brother, Raymond (Marge) Papesh; sister, Judith (the late Henry) Philbert; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mando W. Di Bartolomeo Jr. (2013); parents, Michael and Frances (nee Pluth) Papesh; son, Jasper in infancy; and brother, Michael (Gail) Papesh.

Lillian was a member of the Slovenian Union of America, St. Anthony Altar and Rosary Society and numerous others organizations. She was proud of being head chef at the annual spaghetti dinner for the Knights of Columbus Holy Trinity Council #4400 for several consecutive years. For those that knew her, she was voted best spaghetti sauce in Joliet. Lillian attended St. Joseph grade school and 2 years at Providence High school.  Having to leave early she accomplished obtaining her GED on her own. She worked at the bottling company on the east side of Joliet before meeting her husband, Mando Jr.

Her faith and her catholic beliefs were her guide and devotion.  She always wished God’s blessing for everyone she met. No one ever left her house hungry. Lillian believed prayer was her most powerful tool to make the world a better place for those who met her. She will be truly missed by all who knew her.

A special thanks to the nurses and staff at Sunny Hill Nursing Home for the wonderful care they provided to Lillian.

In lieu of flowers, donation in Lillian’s name to the Joliet Morning Star Mission, to continue her legacy of always feeding those who were hungry.

A celebration of Lillian’s life will begin on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 with prayers in the funeral home chapel at 9:20 a.m. then driving in procession to the Church of St. Anthony in Joliet for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be held privately. Visitation will be on Monday, February 15, 2021 at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Face masks and social distancing are required.