Lillian Bandelow

July 12, 1927 - February 10, 2021

Lillian Bandelow (nee Portschy) began her eternal adventure on Wednesday, February 10, 2021, at the age of 93. Lillian was born on July 12, 1927, in Chicago, IL, to Gustav and Karolina Portschy (nee Horvath). She married her beloved late husband, Robert Bandelow, on August 19, 1950, living in Prospect Heights since 1955. She was a graduate of North Park College and Northwestern University. Lillian was a loving mother, Oma, cousin and friend who will live on in the hearts of all those she touched and inspired. Lillian was an adventurist. “PowerOma” traveled the world with friends and family, creating everlasting memories, especially for her 3 grandchildren on their special 8th grade graduation trips. She did not just visit new cities and countries, but immersed herself in each locale with the gusto of someone half her age. Lillian also had a passion for playing (and winning) games, just ask her great-grandchildren who have learned techniques about how to win games even if it means changing the rules! Lillian will be remembered by so many friends and cousins. Her Hersey High School colleagues were her second family. The tributes she has received from so many of these “Huskies” prove how she inspired the people she knew. Bob and Lil were involved in American Field Service, A.F.S., at Hersey and she was still in touch with foreign exchange students from all over the world, often visiting them on her travels. Lillian is survived by her loving daughter, Debra Clark (nee Bandelow); her three adored grandchildren, Brian (Chastity) Clark, Robert Clark and Suzanne (Jason) Kofroth; her loud and active great-grandchildren, Britlyn and Dillon Clark, and Jaxson and Maddox Kofroth; and many cousins here in the states and in Austria. Her life was also blessed by her French A.F.S. daughter, Marie-Catherine Malaval, who she dearly cherished. She will be missed by so many dear friends who she appreciated even in her final days. We know Oma is ready to share a double scoop of chocolate ice cream or a bowl of popcorn with those who preceded her in death, including her parents; her husband, Bob; her favorite son-in-law, Stewart Clark; and numerous cousins and friends. None of us will ever eat another gingerbread cookie without remembering her and the miniature gingerbread boys and girls she made every Christmas! A private funeral service with be held on Friday, February 19th, 2021. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Make-A-Wish Foundation, American Field Service, World Vision, Orchard Evangelical Free Church of Arlington Heights, or a charity of your choice. For further info, call Matz Funeral Home at 847-394-2336 or visit www.matzfuneralhome.com.