Viola M. Palis (nee Hrabe), 94, of Brookfield, died peacefully at home on March 21, 2023.
Ms. Palis was born in Fort Atkinson, Iowa. She met her late husband, Leonard N. Palis, while both worked at Hotpoint in Cicero. They built their home and raised their family in Brookfield and were married for 56 years.
In addition to raising her family, she 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 longtime 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.
Ms. Palis was the mother David Palis, Leonard J. Palis, John (Erin Palmer) Palis and Marie (Steven) Storter; the grandmother of Nicholas Storter, Katie Storter, Mitchell Storter and Forrest Palis; and the sister of the late Mary (Charles) Karnik and late Lillian (Donald) Mansfield.
A funeral Mass was celebrated March 25 at St. Louise de Marillac Church, followed by interment at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Hillside. In lieu of flowers, Masses appreciated.
Hitzeman Funeral Home, Brookfield, handled arrangements.
Send sympathy cards to Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 31st St., Brookfield, 60513, c/o the Viola Palis family.
