Viola M. Palis, nee Hrabe, age 94, of Brookfield, IL passed away peacefully at home on March 21, 2023. Viola was born in Fort Atkinson, Iowa. She met her late husband, Leonard N., while both worked at Hotpoint in Cicero. They built their home and raised their family in Brookfield and were married for 56 years.
Viola was the loving mother of four children: David Palis, Leonard J. Palis, John (Erin Palmer) Palis, and Marie (Steven) Storter and four grandchildren: Nicholas Storter, Katie Storter, Mitchell Storter, and Forrest Palis. She was the sister of the late Mary (Charles) Karnik and late Lillian (Donald) Mansfield.
In addition to raising her family, Viola was a very active volunteer serving Medical Missions, the Blue Army of Our Lady of Fatima, and 38 years with the Brookfield Zoo. She was a long-time parishioner at St. Louise de Marillac Catholic Church in LaGrange Park and an ardent practitioner of her faith. In 2019, Vi was honored with the Woman of the Year Award by the Catholic Women's Organization.
Many a warm weather day would find Vi gardening, tending to her flowers and vegetables. When in Wisconsin, she would often be seen on the end of the pier with a fishing pole in her hand catching panfish. An avid Cubs fan, one of Vi's lifetime wishes was met with the Cubs World Series win in 2016. Vi loved family get togethers, presiding over holidays, birthdays, and being the center of attention when her grandchildren were present.
Vi will be greatly missed by all who knew her for her caring and generous nature. While petite in size, she was passionate and fearless about the principles she held dear… God, family, and country.
Visitation will be held Friday, March 24, 2023 from 3:00 to 8:00 PM and Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 10:00 to 10:30 AM at Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 W. 31 st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513. Funeral Mass is Saturday, March 25 at 11:00 AM at St. Louise de Marillac Church, 1144 Harrison Ave., LaGrange Park, IL 60526. Interment at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Hillside.
In lieu of flowers, masses appreciated.
Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com