Priscilla F. Lavin

Priscilla F. Lavin (nee Freeman), beloved sister, mother, and friend to many, of Wauconda IL, and previously of Cheshire CT (Currier Woods), left this world at age 92 – which, by her account, was too soon. Ms. Lavin was the widow of Dr. Henry Lavin, was previously married to the late Harold C. Buckelew Jr, and was preceded in death by her parents, Ward E and Frances L (nee McDivitt) Freeman. She was survived by: her sister, Carole (nee Freeman) Schuler of Brooklyn, NY; daughters Sherri (Irek) Zuchniarz of Wauconda, IL and Connie (Konrad) Aigner of Lutz, FL; 6 grandchildren: Katrina (Benjamin), Max (Ashley), Emily (Jake), Joshua, Christopher and Sean; and 6 great-grandchildren: Elijah, Evelyn, Elizabeth, Ella, Amelia and Lucy.

Priscilla had a keen appreciation for arts, literature, healthy living, and humanity. A lover of all living creatures (especially cats) and the environment, she strived to make a better world. She was great with words, and at age 89 could still beat anybody at crossword puzzles. Like her father before her, she possessed a wonderful sense of humor. She enjoyed collecting jokes to share, and was a master of comic delivery. She also enjoyed more serious discussions of world events and politics, and belonged to the Great Books Society. She donated to numerous charitable organizations. An optimist, Priscilla often declared that she wanted to live long enough to see the world “get better.”

Whether in homemaking or office work, Priscilla was admired for her impeccable organization skills. In the 1970s she was employed with Baxter Travanol in Deerfield Illinois, and later worked for the Illinois Scholarship Commission. After returning to Connecticut, she worked as a private secretary, and even tried her hand at selling Mary Kay Cosmetics. No matter the role, her goal was to connect with people and provide personalized service.

During her widowhood in Cheshire CT, Priscilla appreciated the fellowship and support of her many friends and neighbors. She enjoyed spending Thanksgiving holidays with them, and occasionally traveled to Brooklyn to visit her sister, Carole. But she also cherished her solitude, and made time for sketching, piano playing, reading, and written correspondence.

In 2018 at the age of 86, Priscilla chose to leave her life in CT and come live with her daughter, Sherri, in Wauconda IL. She and Sherri treasured their time together, getting reacquainted, going to the local senior center, and watching TV series’ like The Walton's and Downtown Abbey. Priscilla also reconnected with her daughter, Connie, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Priscilla spent the last nearly 3 years of her life at Alden Healthcare in Long Grove IL, with Sherri as her family advocate. There she remained cognizant and articulate until her last few days, always maintaining her sense of humor and her determination. She was ever grateful to the staff and made an effort to remember all their names.

For the short term, until the Great Reunion, Priscilla Lavin will be sorely missed for her quick wit and unbeatable silliness, her love of all kinds of people, animals, conversation, and micro-innovations, and her unrelenting commitment to living well.

Priscilla Lavin’s remains were donated to the Anatomical Gift Association of Illinois, per her wishes.

Brought to you by Kisselburg-Wauconda Funeral Home

Priscilla F. Lavin

Wauconda, Illinois

May 18, 1932 - January 22, 2025

Brought to you by Kisselburg-Wauconda Funeral Home

Priscilla F. Lavin

Wauconda, Illinois

May 18, 1932 - January 22, 2025

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