Lillian Julia Knudson

In loving memory of our mother, Lillian Knudson (née Nagy), who passed away at 93 years old on December 31, 2022. Lillian was the devoted wife of Mayor Eric R. Knudson, and loving mother of Bruce Lesteshen, Julie Brady, Diane Hay, Paul Lesteshen, and Lily(Dean) Weber.

She took pride in her four grandchildren Rachelle, Lara, Nicole and Kristin, and her nine great grandchildren, (Rachelle) Sophie, Molly, (Lara) William, Matthew, (Nicole) Shannon, Brigid, Michael, (Kristin) Morgan and Kelly.

She was preceded in death by her toddler son Bruce, her husband of 31 years Eric Knudson, her parents Alexander and Julia Nagy, her brother Robert Nagy, and her daughter in law Ruth Lesteshen.

Our mother was a kind, caring and giving person who always put the needs of her family before her own. She was a strong woman who faced every challenge in her life with courage and dignity. Our mother was a source of inspiration to us all and she will be deeply missed by everyone whose lives she touched.

Growing up, mom was always there for us, to give guidance or tell us what to do next. Lillian was a woman of strong faith and she instilled in us the importance of family, hard work and doing what is right. Our mother was a true role model who we will always look up to.

She was a graduate of West Tech High School class of 1947, and a graduate of Lakeland Community College class of 1980. Lillian worked in the executive, administrative, and managerial occupations. She was a stickler for details and organization.

She loved to travel and loved Florida, living there for 25 years. She was a world history buff, an accomplished pianist, decorator, crocheter, and fisherwoman landing a 60# sail fish on a trip in Florida.

She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, the American Legion, and was the “First Lady of Willoughby”, a role she cherished as a lover of service and community.

She will be laid to rest at Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to any veterans or animal welfare organization, or to The Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org