Obituary of Concetta R. DiLillo

Concetta (Connie) R. DiLillo. 88, passed away peacefully on July 17 after a brief battle with cancer. She was born in Melrose Park, IL but had made Bryson City her home for the past 22 years. She was predeceased by her parents Anthony and Catherine Giordano, her husband Dr. Joseph DiLillo and her daughter Dr. Angela DiLillo. She is survived by her daughter Kathy (Plato) of Bryson City and son Mike (Stacey) of Springfield IL; grandchildren Michelle and James Posey; sisters Laurie (John) Gustafson of Crest Hill IL and Janice (Chuck) Walker of Oceanside, CA; son-in-law Chris Tullier of Dothan AL, and many nieces and nephews. Connie was a retired college instructor having taught Speech and Theatre for over 30 years at Lincoln College in Lincoln, IL. She directed dozens of plays and musicals over the years and even found her way to the Smoky Mountain Community Theatre once she and Joe moved to Bryson City. She truly loved teaching and told us often how lucky she was to have had a job that provided so much joy. After retirement, Connie and Joe moved to Bryson City to spend time with their grandchildren. Connie made the most of her retirement. She was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and served in many roles. Faith was the cornerstone of her life and she led by example. In retirement she also learned to play the dulcimer and joined the Mountain Strings. Connie competed for several years in the Senior Games and was very proud of the medals she won in the State Senior Games in the Literary and Performing Arts. She also loved travelling and took cruises at every opportunity. But mostly she cherished every moment with her beloved grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all those who knew her. Connie loved angels and amassed an extensive collection over the years. We are comforted in knowing she is with all the angels in heaven now. A funeral mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Saturday, July 22 at 11am with Father Peter Shaw officiating. Burial will be at Swain Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at Crisp Funeral Home from 5-7pm on Friday, July 21.