Frances Lombardi

WILMINGTON—Frances Mary Lombardi, (nee Zavidosky), 90, of Wilmington, and formerly of Chicago, passed away Friday, March 23, 2018 at her home.
Born April 3, 1927 in Chicago, Frances was a daughter of Joseph and Frances (nee Marish) Zavidosky. She was raised in Chicago, worked for Van Norman Molding in Chicago as a forelady during World War II, and later gained employment with Spiegle & Co. in Chicago. On Sept. 3, 1949 Frances married Charles “Chuck” Lombardi in Chicago. She was a member of St. Justin Martyr Catholic Church in Chicago before joining Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Wilmington when she and her family moved to Wilmington in 1970. Frances worked for Royal Willow Nursing Home in Wilmington as a cook, and later took on child care and nanny responsibilities, caring for numerous children in the Wilmington area.
She was an avid reader, and took great joy in participating in several book clubs over the years. Frances enjoyed gardening, but also looked forward to taking trips back to downtown Chicago where she grew up. She loved big band music, the Rat Pack, and especially Frank Sinatra who she saw perform multiple times. Above all else, Frances loved her time with family. She took great pride in homemaking, and hosting her family for gatherings. Frances’ children and grandchildren were the apple of her eye, who she cherished more than anything.
Survivors include her daughter, JoAnne (Michael) Jostes, of Wilmington; four grandchildren: Steven Michael and Valerie Marie Jostes, both of Wilmington and Chad and Christopher Lombardi, both of Braidwood; daughter-in-law, Cheryl Lombardi of Braidwood; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Frances was preceded in death by her husband, her son, Charles “Chas” Lombardi; her brothers and sister: Peter (Rose) Zavidosky, Thomas (Marge) Zavidosky, William (Irene) Zavidosky, Anthony (Marie) Zavidosky and Pauline (Ernest “Sonny”) LaRue; and her canine companions: Fluffy, Queenie, Bernie I and Bernie II.
Visitation and video tribute will be held Wednesday April 4, 2018 between the hours of 4 and 7 p.m. at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 E. Kahler Rd., in Wilmington. Family and friends will gather at the funeral home Thursday, April 5, 2018 for prayers at 10:30 a.m., before processing to Saint Rose Church in Wilmington, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Reverend Sebastian Gargol will preside, and burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery, Wilmington.
Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Frances’ memory to: Kuzma Care Cottage, 635 S. Main St., Wilmington, IL 60481.
Family and friends may sign the online guest book, upload photographs, or share Frances’ memorial page by logging onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com.
Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington.