Joan M. Zilis
January 25, 1927 ~ July 21, 2016
Joan Zilis
Joan Zilis, 89, of Littleton, Colorado, died July 21, 2016. Joan lived her life following the simple guideline of practice what you preach. In all facets of her life, be it as a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother, Joan led by example to show the world what goodness can bring.
Joan was born Jan. 25, 1927 and raised in Elmhurst, Illinois. From her parents, Herbert and Billie Bielefeld, she inherited an appreciation of art, a love for the written word and an admiration for the beauty of nature. Along with her two brothers, Richard and Bud, family was always important to Joan.
In the late 1940s, Joanmet David Zilis – an artist at her father’s commercial art studio in downtown Chicago, Bielefeld Studios. The two soon married and had five children – Jack, Paul, Mike, Tom and Mary. David later went on to become an art director at the Leo Burnett Agency. The couple enjoyed nearly 60 years together and made their home in Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
In the 1960s, she started a washable rag-doll business called Merry Dolls. The goal for her company was to give women and seniors in the Chicago area work that they could do from home while caring for their children or supplement their income. She employed around 20 women.
Inspired by her mother’s brief career in a newsroom, Joan remained busy throughout the years as a proofreader and copyeditor working from home. She also found great pride in helping the community and was an avid food-pantry volunteer as well as church member.
After David passed away in 2009, the lifelong Illinoisan moved to Littleton, Colorado, to be closer to family. Relocating to Colorado, her sunny disposition warmed that hearts of many at her church as well as fellow volunteers and people from her senior community.
Joan is survived by her five children and spouses, 12 grandchildren and numerous “adopted” loved ones, including family friends, neighbors, church members and anyone who received one of Joan’s coveted handmade birthday sign.
A church service and reception was held Tuesday, Aug. 2 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Parish, 6853 S. Prince St. in Littleton.
In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Mary’s Parish Pantry or to the Food Bank of the Rockies are welcome. Feeding those without was always very important and close to Joan’s heart.
Sorry for your Loss. She was Truly one of the most Warm ,Kind , Intelligent and Joyful women I have ever had the privilege of knowing.