Lillian K. Dathe

Mom was born on July 4, 1932 in Vandergrift, PA, the middle child of Kathryn and Valentine Kocis. She was called home on April 9, 2008 at the age of 75 after a short illness. At a young age, the family moved from Vandergrift to Chicago, Illinois. Mom attended St. Michael's Grammar School and graduated from St. Joseph's High School in 1949. In 1952, Mom married our dad, John, at St. Michael's Parish in Chicago. Their union produced three children: Robert, Kathleen, and Tim. In 1967, the family left the windy city and settled in sunny California, spending a few years in Inglewood prior to a permanent move to Torrance, where Mom resided until the time of her death. She was a member of St. Lawrence Martyr Parish.

As a devoted wife and mother, Mom endeavored to provide a strongly religious and loving home for our family. She was our support as we grew into adulthood, asking only that we strive to do our best. Mom worked both in and out of our home and thoroughly enjoyed crocheting, cooking, and housekeeping. Her greatest pleasures came from sharing the successes that her children achieved. She remained devoted to Dad, whom she lost unexpectedly in 1990.

Mom is survived by her children: Robert of Torrance; Kathleen Hefner (Lonnie) of Nampa, Idaho; Tim (Narda) of Murrietta; her sister Lorretta and brother Ted; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Kathryn and Valentine, and her loving husband, John.

Viewing will be Monday, April 14 from 5 to 9pm, with a recitation of the Rosary at 7pm at Rice Mortuary, 5310 Torrance Blvd. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10am on Tuesday, April 15 at St. Lawrence Martyr Church 1900 Prospect Avenue, Redondo Beach, CA. Interment will be at Roosevelt Memorial Park, 18255 S. Vermont, Gardena, CA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the American Heart Association.