Lillian Putz

Lillian Putz, age 91 of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 26, 2025.

Born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey, Lillian was the youngest of five children to Joseph and Helen Krause. A dedicated student, she graduated from Lincoln High School in Jersey City. From an early age, Lillian demonstrated the caring nature that would define her throughout her life, helping her older siblings as their families grew and establishing herself as an exceptional caregiver who would be forever remembered as a devoted mother and grandmother.

Lillian found great joy in life’s simple pleasures: reading fiction novels and sewing her own unique dresses which she loved to showcase at weekly polka dances. It was at one of these dances that she met a gentleman named Richard Putz. Their connection was immediate and before they knew it, they were engaged. Around a year after the couple’s engagement the two were married.

The newlyweds began their family journey together, welcoming their first daughter Diane just a year after their wedding. Their children Lydia and Robert followed in the years that came, and the growing family made their home in Clifton, New Jersey before eventually settling in Wayne.

From the beginning, Lillian cherished time spent with family above all else. Whether it was quiet evenings at home or the holiday gatherings shared with her sisters, Claire and Terry and their families. And years later, with her own family that grew from grandchildren to great grandchildren. It was these simple everyday moments; she found joy and meaning in being surrounded by loved ones.

Lillian and Richard shared a passion for travel and adventure, often exploring the world alongside Lillian’s sister Terry and her husband Joe Kizmann. Their journeys took them across continents from Europe to Alaska, through the Panama Canal, and to many other destinations. Among their most treasured experiences was a trip to Italy, where they were blessed with a private audience with Pope John Paul II at the Vatican, receiving his personal blessing.

After Richard’s untimely passing in 1997, Lillian remained true to her adventurous spirit and continued to explore the world with her sister Terry at her side. She never lost her zest for life or her desire to discover new places.

Lillian will be dearly missed by all who knew her, remembered not only for her role as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, but for her generous heart, adventurous spirit, and the love she shared with everyone around her.

She is survived by her children: Diane Dario, Lydia Mandrikin, and Robert Putz; her grandchildren Jaime, Danielle, and Christopher; and her eight great-grandchildren.

Lillian is predeceased by her husband Richard Putz; her parents Joseph and Helen Krause; and her four siblings: Bill, Claire, Veronica, and Theresa.

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In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution in Lillian's name to the Wayne PBA or Wayne First Aid Squad.