Lillian Gardner

Lillian Gardner, 97, of White Pine/Bensenville, passed away on September 12, 2019, in her home, after a long battle with dementia. She was born February 7, 1922, the youngest of 4 sisters. The family grew up in Chicago. Lillian met the love of her life, Lou Sikorski, at 18. They married when she turned 21. Tragedy struck a year after when Lou was injured while fighting in France during WWII, which left her a widow. After a road trip to California with her girlfriend, in her 1949 Ford…imagine a dialed down version of Thelma and Louise, she returned home and soon after met Charles, her second husband at a square dance. In 1953 the couple built their dream home in White Pines, where they had two children of their own. Then tragedy struck again in 1971 when Lillian lost her second love. She carried on, raising two teenagers, working tirelessly, with her tactful administration skills, as a secretary, well into her 70’s. She found her place in the community as a charter member of “The Gold Star Wives” (Chicago Chapter) and as a dedicated volunteer at Hines Hospital. Known as “Lighting Lil” she gave up driving at the age of 90. It only slightly hindered her “Olympic caliber” shopping; mostly buying for others. She managed to continue her fellowship at church and spending time with the “Red Hat Ladies.” Survived by her sons, Charles (Carla) and Garry (Joanne). Although these were her only children, she was known as Ma Gardner to many friends and neighbors. A loving Grandmother to Connie (Steve) and great-grandmother to Tyler and Emily. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Quitlyin, who wonderfully cared for her these last 11 months. Lillian lived by the word, “United we stand, divided we fall” and “I love you more”. Memorial services will be held at a later date in Bensenville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Lillian's memory to: The Gold Star Wives https://www.goldstarwives.org/Donate-Now Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options of Schiller Park, Illinois.