Sylvia Alexandra Frigo, age 78, of Western Springs; beloved wife of Peter T. Frigo; loving mother of Laura (Jim) Kearney, Michelle (Russ) Yoshinaka, & Amy Frigo; proud grandmother of Morgan, Aidan, & Will Kearney; Kea & Jake Yoshinaka; and Luke & Lilah Lehmkuhl; dear daughter of the late Alex and Blache Kezes; loving friend and family member of many.

Sylvia was born and raised in Chicago, attended Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School and graduated from Northern Illinois University with a degree in Elementary Education. In 1964, Sylvia met the love of her life Pete, while she was Student Teaching and Pete was teaching at Eisenhower H.S.. In 1967 they were married and their loving relationship inspired all around them over the past 54 years.  

Together they raised their three daughters in Western Springs where they were active members of the community. True to her loving nature, Sylvia became a teacher for elementary school and special needs children. She loved working closely with children who needed extra support, and at 51 went back to school for her masters degree. She graduated with her family by her side and worked as a Speech Language Pathologist in Hinsdale School District 181 for 16 years before retiring in 2004. Throughout her career, she helped many children and families, while also being an outstanding role model for her daughters.

Her life was filled with family adventures and traditions: camping trips, late night Rumikub, traveling the globe with Pete, Easter Egg Cracking competitions, annual Kucious dinners, milestone celebrations, and attending her grandchildren’s activities near and far. With her many friends, she enjoyed playing bridge, golfing, knitting, supporting the LaGrange Community Nurse Association, being a member of the Western Springs Village Club, and connecting over Supper and Book Clubs. Despite being so busy, she always had time to whip together an appetizer (or four) for anyone who stopped by. 

Sylvia was a loving mother filled with kindness and grace who put her family before all else. She was devoted to her husband, children, and grandchildren, enjoying nothing more than spending time with them and sharing her vibrant joy. Sylvia was so proud of her daughters and they were equally proud of her and all she gave to those around her. She touched everyone she met with her bright light, warm hugs, and a smile that lit up the room. She left this world too soon and will be dearly missed by all who knew her, especially her family. Today, we toast to a wonderful life as we raise a perfect Manhattan in her honor.

Visitation: 4 to 8 pm on Thursday, May 13 at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55^th St., Countryside. (50 people admitted to the funeral home at a time. Social distancing guidelines in place; masks required). Funeral Mass: 11 am on Friday, May 14 at St. John of the Cross Church, 5005 Wolf Rd., Western Springs, IL 60558. (All guests must register to attend at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/wmdfy3yw). Please arrive at the church by 10:45 am to be checked in and seated. Interment private.

Those unable to attend Mass may watch it live at https://www.facebook.com/sjcwesternsprings/live. The recording will be available for three days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Sylvia’s name to: 

St. John of the Cross Outreach Program. Donations will be used to directly support six local food pantries serving the community. Please donate through this link.

Easters Seals DuPage & Fox Valley. Donations will be used to enable infants, children, and adults with developmental delays and disabilities to achieve their maximum independence, and provide support for the families who love and care for them. Please donate through this link.

Funeral info: (708) 352-6500