Susan Marie Lilja

Susan Marie Lilja (née Klaviter), aged 73, of Hickory Hills, Illinois, peacefully entered into eternal rest on September 28, 2026. Born on October 1, 1952, to the late Walter and Sylvia Klaviter, Sue was baptized into her lifelong faith on November 2, 1952. She grew up in Hickory Hills, attending St. Patricia’s Grade School and Amos Alonzo Stagg High School, where she formed a foundation of treasured, lifelong friendships.Sue’s greatest adventure began when she met her husband, John, at a church event. In a playful twist of fate, she selected him out of three bachelors in a dating game—a choice that blossomed into a beautiful 54-year marriage beginning on August 5, 1972. Together, they raised two daughters, Jennifer (born January 5, 1976) and Jessica (born October 25, 1978) who were the pride and joy of Sue's life. Professionally, an orthodontist appointment during her freshman year at Illinois State University shifted her path from studying French to pursuing an associate degree in dental hygiene assistant at Prairie State University. Sue spent decades in the field, dedicating her later career to successfully managing a dental office before retiring at age 70. A dedicated member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and School since the late 1980s, Sue poured her heart into volunteering wherever she was needed, her favorite being the Annual Women’s Tea Committee. She was an avid reader, constant researcher of just about any topic, a compassionate volunteer at the local animal shelter, and a lover of many shopping trips. Sue also cherished travel, finally realizing her dream of seeing the Eiffel Tower in France and exploring England. She loved planning weekend getaways such as Frankenmuth and Mackinac Island, and spent every winter escaping the Chicago cold in Tampa, Florida, visiting her daughter. Above all, her greatest happiness came from simple conversations and deep connections with her family and friends.Sue was preceded in death by her beloved parents,Walter and Sylvia Klaviter, and her dear sister, Joann Neuman (née Klaviter). She is survived and will be deeply missed by her devoted and loving husband, John Lilja; her loving daughters, Jennifer Lilja and Jessica Lilja; her brother, William Klaviter, and his wife, Marsha Klaviter. She also leaves behind a large circle of extended family, dear church members, and lifelong friends whose lives were made brighter by her beautiful smile and generous heart.Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Kosary Funeral Home, 9837 S. Kedzie Ave., Evergreen Park, IL 60805. Visitation will also be held on Friday, October 2, 2026, from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 4660 W 94th Street, Oak Lawn, IL 60453. The funeral service will follow at 10:00 AM. Interment will take place at Bethania Cemetery, 7701 Archer Ave, Justice, IL 60458.In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Sue's memory toP.A.W.S. Tinley Park (Animal Welfare League) / local shelter efforts, American Diabetes Association, or theBone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation.