Lillian Buck, 87, Lake Bluff

Lillian Therese Buck, 87 passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Lake Bluff, IL on January 22, 2023. She was born on June 12, 1935 in Waukegan, IL to Carl R. and Gertrude (nee Nielsen) Gustafson.

Lillian married Frederick Walsh Buck, Sr. On September 8, 1956. They met on March 17, 1954 at a St. Patrick’s Day dance. As a young girl she took piano lessons, performed in dance and loved using her vivid imagination at playtime with her friends. She nurtured her childhood friendships throughout her entire life and enjoyed many social gatherings over the years. She was a faithful and dedicated daughter, sister, wife, and mother. She was kind and generous and a friend to all – including her relatives in Sweden and her church community. She put others first and was always ready to welcome guests into her home. She loved hosting family gatherings, bringing people together, preparing the meals, and setting the perfect tablescape. She was dedicated to the art of the “thank-you” note and was an eager provider of meals and cards to those in need. She loved to bake, cook, sew, knit, craft, garden, golf, was an avid bowler. She loved to travel and her adventures took her on annual family road trips across country and to Europe many times. She was a winner in the card game of Canasta and life.

Most of all, she was a committed wife and mother to her five children. She was tirelessly dedicated to supporting each of our individual paths in life. Even during the challenging times, her heart was filled with love and forgiveness. She was always ready to help in time of need and made each of us feel uniquely special. She was giving and grateful until the end as she spoke her last words, thanking us as we thanked her. She was a person of great faith in God and loved her church.

Lillian was proud to be a homemaker and prioritized her family first. She worked from 1976 – 1996 at Lake Forest High School in the student snack bar and volunteered at The Church of the Holy Spirit in Lake Forest in the resale shop.

Lillian is survived by her sister, Marian L. Tewes; her loving children Rhonda Buck Marzinelli, Joy Buck Murawski (David), Julie Buck, Rhea Buck Conroy (Kevin); and her 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son Frederick W. Buck, Jr., her husband Frederick W. Buck, Sr., her brother Carl R. Gustafson, Jr. and her parents.

A Memorial service will take place on Monday, January 30, 2023 at 2:00 pm at The Church of the Holy Spirit, 400 E. Westminster, Lake Forest, IL with a reception to follow in the Parish Hall. All are welcome. Memorial contributions may be sent to The Church of the Holy Spirit, Lake Forest, IL in memory of Lillian Buck.