Colleen Lizak

Colleen Mary Lizak, 77, of Norridge, at peace with Christ surrounded by her loving family on March 28, 2025. Beloved wife of Frank for 50 loving years. Loving mother of Jennifer (Andrew Marfia) and Angela (Neil Howe). Fond sister of Vincent (Maureen) Finnegan and Jeannie (Ray) Corcoran, and the late baby Sheila. Cherished aunt of Scott (Amanda) and Heather Finnegan, Shaun (Marianne) Corcoran, Megan (Pete) Van Loon and Bridget Corcoran. Great aunt of James and Paige Finnegan, Kiran and Bryce Henry, Audrey, Elise and Ryan Corcoran, Grace and Claire Van Loon. Adopted “Grandma Colleen” of Gabriella, Daniella, Cordell and Marci Decker and chosen mom of Veronica (Lenny). Dear daughter of Helena nee Houlihan and Norbert Finnegan. Special cousin and correspondent to many across the country. Memorable friend to many.

Graduate of St. Benedict’s High School, Northeastern Illinois University and National Teachers College (M. Ed.) and proud retired Chicago Public School teacher, devoted to children with disabilities at Cardenas School in Little Village. Former teacher and religious education teacher at Divine Savior School. Founder of Shamrock Angels Relay For Life team, raising over $150,000 for American Cancer Society since 2001. Member of Queen of Peace Parish (formerly Divine Savior), organizing peace and justice projects including fair trade market, garden ministry, St. Eulalia food ministry, coats for refugees and migrants, collections for the poor, communion for the sick. Served on parish unification, liturgy and evangelization committees. Recipient of the Archdiocese of Chicago 2018 Christifideles Award. Proud Irishwoman, avid reader and campaigner for the Eisenhower Public Library, devoted gardener, talented pianist, adventurous camper and lover of nature, devoted voter. Avid fan of dogs (now reunited with Barney, Bingo and Murphy), caffeine-free Diet Coke, The View, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs and playing the lotto.

Visitation Wednesday, April 2, 2025, from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Cumberland Chapels (Heneghan-Suerth Directors) 8300 W. Lawrence Ave., Norridge, IL. Funeral services begin at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday,  April 3,  2025, at the funeral home, and will proceed to St. Eugene Church for Mass at 10:00 a.m. The interment will follow at Maryhill Cemetery in Niles.

In lieu of flowers memorials appreciated to American Cancer Society, Shamrock Angels Relay for Life Team. http://main.acsevents.org/goto/shamrockangelsteam

For more information 708-456-8300 or H eneghanfs.com