Obituary of Phillis E. Dalton
Age 76, of the Plainfield/Joliet, Illinois area, passed peacefully, Tuesday evening, November 7, 2023 at Edward Hospital in Naperville due to complications from a stroke she suffered last week.
She was born January 17, 1947, in Morris, IL to the late Mildred L. (Dite) and John J. Lestina. Phillis was raised and educated in Coal City, however her passion for learning continued well beyond high school, primarily through eye and ear.
A quick study throughout her life, she was self taught in many arenas, music and proficiency in the playing of several instruments was her strong suit. Phillis highly encouraged her kids and grandkids to have music in their lives.
She is the beloved mother of Richard (Robin) Jett, Victoria (Matthew) Ivkovich and Craig (Dawn) Jett; loving and devoted grandmother of Richard S. (Mary Beth) Jett, Keith J. Jett and Duke C. Jett; proud great-grandmother of Everett Jett. Also surviving are her siblings, Frank (Sandra) Lestina, Dorothy Lestina and Janette Lestina; aunts and uncles, George Lestina, Laura Lestina, Lorraine Hansen, Raymond (Lila) Dite and Richard (Melva) Dite. Several generations of nieces and nephews as well as numerous cousins also survive.
Phillis was preceded in death by her parents; one brother John Louis “Jackie” Lestina, two sisters, Linda (Ray) Jacque and Mildred Lestina, and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins.
A medical records manager at Salem Village Nursing Home in Joliet, Phillis retired last year, 2022, after over 20 years of dedicated service. Her love of music throughout her lifetime remained a steady source of happiness, which was only trumped by the arrival of her grandchildren, who also shared her passion. Beyond proud.
An avid reader and feisty at board games, Yahtzee, Scrabble, bingo and bunco of late, were always fun and memorable with Phillis. Although petite in stature, toughness and strength were of a much larger person.
All friends and relatives are invited to join the family of Phillis Dalton in celebrating her life at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.) in Joliet. A Memorial Visitation will be held Monday, November 13, 2023 from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. A prayer service will conclude the evening beginning at 7:00 p.m.
As it was Phillis' wish, cremation rites have been accorded.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital would be appreciated.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
