Lillian J. Giordano

Lillian Giordano, 85, of Peru, passed away Sunday, January 19, 2025, at the Henry Rehab and Nursing Center surrounded by her husband and family after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

A visitation for Lillian will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Saturday, January 25, 2025, followed by a memorial service and eulogy at 1:00 PM given by a Congregation Elder from the Jehovah’s Witness Congregation in Peru at the Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle.

Lillian was born September 8, 1939, in Spring Valley to Sebastian and Rose (Braida) Yerly. She married James J. Giordano on September 10, 1960, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Spring Valley.

Lillian loved to prepare chef quality meals for her family and guests, and relished her recipes handed down from her mother, blending fresh ingredients and love of flavors. She instilled a deep love and appreciation for animals into her children.

She spent many years training, riding, and showing Arabian horses. She was an avid bird watcher and could name many birds native to Illinois. She was an avid reader and studier of scripture. She took pride in gardening, ensuring that her garden and flower beds, along with landscaping, were maintained and visually beautiful.

She was a fierce advocate for her family, friends, and wildlife.

She and Jim, along with their family, spent significant time in Door County, Wisconsin during multiple seasons of the year enjoying the outdoors and wildlife along with their Golden Retriever “Joey”.

She is survived by her husband Jim; four children James (Pam) Giordano of Peru, Beth (Rick) Giordano-Willstead of Princeton, Ken (Karie) Giordano of Peru, and Janelle (Andy) Buck of Peru; ten grandchildren: Christopher (Ashlee), Alyssa & Justin Giordano, Joshua & Jacob Newcomer, Collin, Lauren & Payton Giordano and Noah & Jonah Buck; three great-grandchildren: Camden Newcomer, Declan Giordano and Ronan Giordano; and four sisters, Lorainne Swords of Oglesby, Anna Marie Brown of Hennepin, Donna Lyons of Peru and Jeanette Rivara of Arlington.

Lillian was preceded in death by her parents; six brothers, Sebastian, Raymond, Richard, Norman, John and Leroy Yerly; seven sisters Lila Flannigan, Elaine Micheletti, Darlene Scheri, Norma Jean Moss, Pauldine Reynolds, Lucille Corral and Rose Schweickert.

Memorials may be directed to the donor’s choice in Lillian’s memory or to the family for a future memorial.

Donations may be sent to one of her animal-based charities:

Critter Ridge Animal Rescue by contacting: critterridgewrr@gmail.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lillian J. Giordano, please visit our floral store.