Philomena L. Bilder Obituary (1942

Philomena Lucille Bilder, age 80, of Geneva, IL, passed away on August 5, 2022. She was born April 13, 1942 in Chicago, IL to her loving parents, Francis and Mary (nee Caputo) Valentino. Philomena graduated from the St. Anne's Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago, and worked as a open heart surgery nurse, a private practice nurse, and a school nurse. She married Peter Bilder in 1968 and they were married for 35 years. Together they raised two children. Philomena was loving, intelligent, stubborn, a bit of a workaholic, and very giving. She enjoyed opera, hosting dinner parties, being creative with crafts, and traveling across the country and around the world. She adored her children and grandchildren, and loved visiting and spending time with them. Philomena was very grateful for the life she was given. Despite the hardships she faced in her life, she always made sure to give to others, share with others, and think of others. Her philosophy was that no matter the situation, you can always still give of yourself. Philomena is survived by her children, Matthew (Gina) Bilder and Nicole (Joel) Herger; sister, Margaret Schab; grandsons, Anthony Herger and Aiden Herger, and nephews, Michael Schab and Brian Schab. Visitation will be 1:00pm to 4:00pm, with prayers at 2:30pm, Saturday, August 13, 2022 at Symonds-Madison Funeral Home, 305 Park Street, Elgin, IL 60120. Mourners are encouraged to review the funeral home COVID-19 public health policies ahead of time. To access the visitation remotely, loved ones are encouraged to log on safe from home via Zoom.us (Meeting ID: 817 2007 9426, Password: 567532). Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Philomena's name to St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Final arrangements entrusted to Symonds-Madison Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-741-1128 or visit www.symondsmadison.com.