Lillian R. Vola

Lillian R. Vola, 92, passed away on October 7, 2023, in Rockford, Illinois. Born on May 24, 1931, in Pecatonica, Illinois, daughter to Ben and Annie (Becker) Zweep. She graduated from Winnebago High School in 1951. On September 15, 1962, she married the love of her life, Thomas E. Vola at St. James Catholic Church. They were both long time parishioners of St. Rita Catholic Church and shared 52 years of marriage before his passing in February 2015. Together, they raised three children, Christopher, Dave, and Beth, and carried a loving passion for dogs, especially their rescue dalmatian, Mookie. Lillian found great reward in working in her yard and flower gardens. She enjoyed spending time with her family and was well known for her sugar cookies which she lovingly baked with all the generations. She was very involved with her kids and their activities including serving as a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader and classroom volunteer. As her kids grew older, Lillian started working for the Caldwell Group, retiring in the early 2000s after more than 20 years. She volunteered at local hospitals and, following retirement, as an usher at Rock Valley College’s Starlight Theatre. In more recent years, she enjoyed socializing with members of the Red Hat Society.

She will be missed by those who loved her most, her children Dave Vola, Beth (Patrick) Chadwick, daughter in law Jennifer Vola; her grandchildren Mark (Allison), Shaun, Drew (Claire) Vola, Rachel, Hannah, and Lindsay Chadwick; great-grandchildren Aksel and Adley Vola; numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents, husband Thomas, son Christopher, and her siblings Eugene Zweep and Mary Remmers.

A visitation will take place on Friday, October 13, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. with Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 a.m. at St. Rita Catholic Church, 6254 Valley Knoll Drive, Rockford, Illinois 61109. Burial to take place in Arlington Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary or to St. Rita Catholic Church. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com