Lillian Louise Zdybel

Lillian Louise Zdybel, daughter of the Golden West, was born in San Francisco, California on August 9, 1926 and passed away on January 23, 2015 in Sacramento. Preceded in death by her beloved husband of 54 years, Frank Zdybel and her loving son, Frank Zdybel, Jr., she leaves behind two sons, Robert and Steven, two daughters, Lisa and Lauren, and ten treasured grandchildren: Silas, Brad, Nahum, Mary, Evan, Ellis, Aaron, Nolan, Ursula, Olivia.

After graduating from Mission High School in 1944, Lillian became a stewardess for TWA when air travel was defined by graciousness. Thereafter she carried a soft spot in her heart for the twin-engine C47, which she called a “Goony Bird.” She met her husband, a handsome Air Force pilot, shortly after WWII, leaving her career to become a service wife and mother. She traveled the world with her growing family and lived in cities coast-to-coast and overseas. Her children were born all around the world - no two in the same place. Wherever she lived, she gained friends who admired her sweet spirit and her feisty attitude.

Sacramento became her permanent home in 1963. Always active in her community, she was an early environmentalist and an ardent believer in local action - fighting for quality of life issues in her own neighborhood. In mid-life, she studied gerontology and volunteered her time to senior citizens. Lillian loved gardening, traveling and antiquing; her home was filled with treasures found during countless hours of scouring thrift stores and garage sales. From San Francisco to the beaches of Carmel, from the valley heat to Yosemite, she loved California. Spirited and proud, gentle but strong, wife, mother, grandmother, friend - she will be deeply missed.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 8th, 2:00 pm at Carmichael Presbyterian Church, 5645 Marconi Ave, Carmichael.