Lillian Schwarz

Lillian Mary Norris Schwarz of Elmhurst, Illinois, passed away on Friday, July 21, 2023, at the age of 93. She was born on May 13th, 1930, in the Panama, Canal Zone, the daughter of Hugh A. Norris and Nye Crook Norris. 

Lillian is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years Harry W. Schwarz; brothers Hugh Andrews Norris and Charles Nye Norris; son Robert Hugh Schwarz; daughter-in-law Nancy; and her parents Hugh A. and Nye Norris.

Lillian was the loving mother of James Dorn (Kristine) Schwarz, the late Robert Hugh (and the late Nancy) Schwarz and Linda Schwarz (David) Verseman; cherished grandmother of Julie (Daniel) Pienta, Karyn (Derek) Soerens, Thomas (Lindsay) Schwarz, Amy McKenna, Eric (Melissa) Dell’Aquila, Robert (Ashley) Schwarz Jr., Brianne (Daniel) Marino, Taylor (Zak) Kendzora, Thomas (Vallory) Verseman, James (Beth) Verseman, and Mark (Kellie) Verseman; proud great-grandmother of 19: Daniel, James, Lauren, Finley, Benjamin, Bailey, Ryan, Jake, Colton, Chloe, Claire, Tristan, Logan, Evelyn, Kaden, Burke, Carson, and two more on the way.

As a young girl growing up in the Panama Canal Zone, she swam in the Panamanian Junior Olympics, was a competitive tennis player, and was voted “class clown” in high school, eventually becoming fluent in Spanish and a member of the Panama Canal Society.  

Lillian was a proud graduate of Bradley University where she received her bachelors and masters degree in Speech Pathology in 1953, with a focus on sign language. While there, she met and married Harry, a football player and later successful businessman, and the love of her life. She and Harry were happily married for 65 years and were known to lovingly dote on each other, never able to be far apart for very long. Lillian became an Elder and one of the first female Deacons at Yorkfield Presbyterian Church in Elmhurst and was active in the Children’s Home and Aide Society and Meals on Wheels.  

Lillian was the matriarch of the family.  She was a giver, a protector of family history and tradition, and loved living her long life.  She is remembered for her smile and her sweet southern drawl calling others “Sugar” and phrases like, “He’s a keeper” and “hello beautiful.” Lillian was always up for an adventure and was a world-traveler; however, her favorite times were on Hilton Head Island, at Disney World, and countless days at “The Farm”.  She was known for her love of all things Christmas, and never wanting to forget anyone, all were invited to her annual Christmas Eve parties after church services. Her life and legacy will be remembered by all who knew her, and her generosity and love will be missed, but forever captured in years of memories. 

A service will be held at a later time in Freeport, Illinois, where she lay to rest next to her love, Harry.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Lillian’s honor to a charity that is close to your heart.

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