JOSEPHINE FRANCES LILLEY

Josephine Frances Lilley, fondly known as Jo to her friends and family, was a beacon of light and love to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Born on October 31, 1936, in Maspeth, New York, to loving Polish immigrants Zygmunt Kasprzycki and Stephania Gardaszka, Jo embodied the American dream through her resilience, intelligence, and unwavering faith. On December 18, 2025, Jo passed away peacefully in Henderson, Nevada, leaving behind a legacy of love, creativity, and service.

Jo's life was a testament to her faith-filled spirit and her ability to inspire those around her. Her marriage to the late John J. Lilley III was a partnership rooted in love and mutual respect, and together they navigated the adventures of military life, living in Texas and Mississippi before settling in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jo's devotion to her family was evident through her deep bonds with her children, John J. Lilley IV (Judy), Thomas M. Lilley, Margaret C. Lilley, and Mary E. Johnson (William Brian Johnson), her cherished seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Jo's heart was heavy with the loss of her husband, daughter Theresa A Thornton, daughter-in-law Judy Zeches, and grandson Travis Gowin, yet she continued to radiate hope and strength to her surviving sister, Bertha Kowalski, and all who knew her.

With a career that spanned civil service at Nellis AFB commissary, Reno airlines which later became American Airlines, and her invaluable work as a translator for the US Postal Service, Jo bridged cultures and communities. Her volunteer work with the USO at McCarren International Airport further showcased her commitment to serving others, especially those who served our country. Jo's creativity shone brightly in her pastimes; whether she was baking, cake decorating, crocheting, or bowling, she did so with a masterful touch. Her Ukrainian Easter eggs were not just beautiful crafts, but symbols of her heritage and love, which she generously shared as gifts.

Jo's life was a living example of how to walk in grace and gratitude. Her intelligence was matched by her creative spirit, and her home was a sanctuary of warmth, where the smell of freshly baked goods often filled the air. Traveling with family and friends, she collected memories and experiences that enriched her storytelling and brought joy to those around her.

In her journey of faith, Jo demonstrated what it means to live a Christ-centered life. Her actions spoke of a woman who deeply understood the power of compassion, service, and love. Her words, like those of a motivational speaker, uplifted and encouraged, leaving a profound impact on everyone she met. Jo's legacy is not just in the lives she touched, but also in the example she set on how to live a life of purpose and joy.

Josephine Frances Lilley's story does not end with her passing, for her spirit continues to live on through the values she instilled in her family and the countless lives she enriched. As we remember Jo, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and a soul that will forever inspire us to be better, to love more deeply, and to serve with all our hearts. She now rests in the loving embrace of her Savior, leaving us with memories that will continue to guide and comfort us until we meet again.