RACINE – Lillian Barbara (nee Czosnek) Torosian, age 85, was born the youngest of eight children in a large, loud Polish Catholic family with big personalities. At age two she became an aunt as her oldest siblings were starting their families.  At her death, just as throughout her life, she was blessed to be surrounded by a great number of people who loved her.

On July 13, 1957 she married the love of her life Harry J. Torosian. Their wedding reception continued for two days, even after they left for their honeymoon.  Mom and Dad were married for 55 years until his death on Dec 29, 2012.  He often called her the axle of the family. She was at the center of all of it, she had support and relationships going out every direction, and everything rotated around her.  And while she worked at St. Mary's Medical Center for more than 20 years, her most important job was wife and mother.

Together, they raised five strong, independent, successful and fiercely protective children. Life was always exciting when all seven of us lived under one roof. Charles (wife Theresa), Thomas, Michael, and Steven (wife Susan) Torosian, and Lisa Maycock are eternally grateful for the example they set for us.  We see their influence continued in the kindness, humor, integrity, and work ethic in our children Charles Jr (wife Kelli, children Parker, Tanner), Kaitlin (partner Damon Young, children Damon Jr., Peyton, and Zoey), Zach (wife Kaylee, children Cooper, Everlee, Emmersyn), Sophia and Sara Torosian, Nicholas Walsh and Dylan Maycock.  Mom truly loved being a mom, a grandma, and great grandmother (GG!)  Many of our friends called our parents Mom and Dad.  Our big family was enriched by many "adopted" brothers and sisters.

Lillian was the last of her generation. Her parents John and Magdelena Czosnek, her in-laws Tahkouhi and Harotoun Torosian, her husband Harry, and all of her siblings, their spouses, and many friends have been waiting for her arrival in Heaven.  Likely there to greet her were Julia and Robert DeHahn, Mary and Sparky Adams, Helen and Emery Weisbrod, Ed and Mavis Czosnek, Harry and Pat Czosnek, Joe Czosnek, and John Czosnek.  Additionally, Max and Nancy, Ray and Diane, Jerry, Jayne, Jamie, Richard, Kenny, Sawyer, John, Tom, Bonnie, Alice, Martha, and surely many others.  Family gatherings with Mom resulted in a full stomach, laughter in your heart, and a smile on your face.  She enjoyed summer cookouts, Christmas visiting, and a good brandy old fashioned sweet.  With a guest list like that, imagine that party!

Our celebration of Mom will be at St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at 11 am with Rev. Javier Guativa officiating. Interment will be next to Dad at Holy Cross Cemetery.   Visitation will be in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Monday from 5:00 – 8:00 pm and in the church on Tuesday from 10-11 am. If her smile brought you comfort, her unforgettable laugh gave you joy, or her cooking filled your stomach, please join us in honoring the woman who gave us so much and asked for so little.  In lieu of gifts to the family, please consider making a donation in her memory to charity that is close to your heart.

The family would like to thank Dr. Paul Durbin, Hospice Alliance, and the entire staff at Villa at Lincoln Park for their care and support of Lillian. Thank you for your help in maintaining her health, dignity, and humor during her final years and for the kindness and love you shared with her, especially Carol, Michele, Pam, and Julie. We can assure you it was noticed and appreciated.