Lillian Bissing, 76, of Huntley Illinois, died July 28, 2023, in her home. She was born in Chicago Illinois on August 6, 1946, to parents Alexander and Henrietta (Wajerski) Bissing. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Friends and family will be notified once it’s scheduled.
She enjoyed every moment of life, whether it was laughing until crying with family and friends, caring for her Daylilies, or playing ragtime and blues on her grand piano in fortissimo.
Lillian was a constant source of joy to family and friends. She was born and raised in the Belmont Heights neighborhood of Chicago, where she formed lifelong connections with friends. She was a loving and supportive sister to Linda, often acting as a second mother to her. Lillian was like a sister to her brother-in-law Pack. She always supported him in times of need no matter the issue. She treated nephew Jason and niece Heather and their spouses Stephanie and Tom like her own children, and was always there to support them by ardently attending and documenting the events and milestones in their lives. She had many groups of long-time friends, including her Polish Poker Club - friends from Motorola that would gather regularly to drink Prosecco and play poker - and the Bunco ladies - friends from Crystal Lake that got together for over 30 years first to play Bunco and eventually to just get coffee and catch up. Her contagious positivity brightened everyone and everything she encountered.
She spent most of her career working as an admin at Motorola, a job she cherished. Perhaps her greatest life’s work is her Daylily garden, which she meticulously maintained. Much like her personality, her garden bursts with color and life. She cultivated over 100 varieties of lilies and even hybridized her own varietals, each marked in her garden by hand-painted rocks made by her dear friend Pam. When her lilies were in bloom, neighbors would see her out in the morning deadheading blooms and making sure each plant looked perfect. She entered and won several Daylily photography competitions and had her work displayed in the Oakes Daylily catalog. Each year, she’d sell hundreds of offshoots of her plants, so her legacy lives on in gardens throughout Kane and McHenry Counties.
Lilian shared her love of music in all ways. She learned to play at a young age and went to DePaul to study music. Later, she taught piano professionally. She was Heather’s first piano teacher and helped Linda re-learn the piano after a 50-year hiatus. When Jason and Heather were in school, she accompanied them in music competitions. After retiring, she became a season ticket holder at the Lyric Opera and took everyone who would agree to see shows. For several years, she played piano for the Celtic Club Christmas party and enthusiastically participated in family singalongs at Christmas, especially “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas.”
Her generosity knew no bounds. She was always willing to pitch in to help others in need, and was active in a long list of organizations that were near and dear to her heart. She was a long time volunteer as a docent at the Woodstock Opera House, and donated a selection of her rare and gorgeous lilies to the Dole Mansion. She enthusiastically supported the Walkers and Bikers for Sun City by attending meetings and collecting dozens of signatures to encourage the Village to conduct a pedestrian study.
Lillian loved her things and approached her interests with dedication and passion. She had a large collection of vintage salt and pepper shakers, dinnerware, and cookie jars; an extensive library of sheet music; and an assortment of items from Motorola where she worked for decades. When she got interested in a subject, she would research the ins and outs and join online groups to discuss it.
Lillian is survived by her sister Linda (Paxton) Knopsnyder, her niece and nephew Heather (Tom) Schady and Jason (Stephanie) Knopsnyder, and her cousins Jeanne Wilson (née Grant), Nancy (Louis) Parochelli, Janet (née Bissing) Hohn, and Theresa (James) Cinquegrani.
Lillian is preceded in death by her parents Alexander and Henrietta (née Wajerski) Bissing and her cousins Carol (née Grant) Chatroop, Ernie Grant, and Chris (née Bissing) Fiegle.
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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Lillian was a blessing to Motorola and everyone she knew.
I am so sorry for your loss Linda and Pack. Lil truly made the world a better place! I only met her a few times, but she was so loving and full of kindness. Heaven just got a true angel. Thinking of you all.
Lil, as I look around the outside of my home, you are everywhere. The beautiful flowers you gave me over the years are a special memory. Memories of what a wonderful person you were will stay with me until it is my turn to close my eyes and say “goodbye “. You were truly loved by all.
Linda and Pack My sincere condolences in your loving sister's loss. Lillian was truly an inspiration to everyone who knew her, and I am so shocked to hear of her death. I will pray for her and your family. I M sending my thoughts and prayers to you
Lil touched so many Motorolans like myself and my Dad. I don’t believe there was one moment when she didn’t have a smile on her face- one that was contagious! We hope the many memories built together will now bring those smiles to help take away those tears. Warmly, Dave Weisz
We are so sorry for your loss and send you healing thoughts and prayers. I am saddened I only met her once, but I could tell she was full of life, joy, and passion. May you find peace in the wonderful memories you have created over the years.
Lil you were always so welcoming and friendly Your music was beautiful You will be missed
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Lil at Motorola for many years, and she would always keep us smiling and laughing. She was truly an exceptional woman. When she moved to Huntley she gave me a couple of beautiful yellow lilies. Every year when they bloom I think of her and her kindness. I hope all the wonderful memories help get you through this very sad time. She will be missed. Sending thoughts and prayers.
I'm very sorry to hear this sad news of Lil's passing. She was a delight to work with at Motorola in Libertyville. She gave me some of her precious day lilies, which I treasure. Sympathies to her family.
I just heard her name read at Church this evening. I’m saddened to hear of her passing. She had been one of my clients several years ago. She was kind, warm, funny and an absolute joy to know. In my head, I remembered her name as “Blessing” because that’s how I thought of her. Rip, Lillian. You are well remembered.