Lil Spilke passed away Dec. 30, 2022 at the age of 101-3/4 years at her daughter’s home in Winter Garden, Florida. She is the last of her generation for our family and will be missed.
Lil was raised by her single mom, Tessie Katz, in the Bronx, NY, and was close to her older sister, Sara. In her early adulthood, Lil enjoyed the nightlife in New York, and met Sam, her husband of 62 years at a party. They married in Oklahoma where Sam was stationed before his duty with the Army in Japan near the end of WWII. Sam and his “bride” raised their daughter, Linda, and their son, Ken, in NYC, sometimes working two jobs while raising a family. Some of our best memories include Lil lying in bed with her young children, reading to them. There were always the walks and the ice cream treats.
In 1961, the Spilke’s moved to NJ. Sam worked for ATT and Lil began a career at Fort Monmouth. Here the family enjoyed outdoor activities, boating, tennis, and playing with their new dog, Friskie.
Upon retirement, Sam and Lil moved to the Orlando region of Florida to enjoy the warm weather and to be near their daughter’s family. Linda married and had two sons: Doug and David. After Sam’s passing, Lil enjoyed friendly games of Mahjong with friends, movies and shows, reading, and the companionship of her Cockatiel, Pretty Girl, often to be found on her shoulder.
Lil is survived by her son, daughter-in-law Gloria, her daughter Linda, grandson Doug, his wife Niki, grandson David, great-grandchildren Mackenzie and Isaac, Nieces and Nephews and their children, and (of course) her cockatiel, Pretty Girl, all of whom have been a great comfort and joy to Lil these last few years.
A celebration of Life for Lillian will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Rd., Gotha, Florida 34734 on Sunday January 8, 2023 at 11am.