Debra K. Polillo

Debra K. Polillo, 58, of Galesburg, died at 4:17 p.m. Sunday, September 16, 2012 at Methodist Medical Center, Peoria. Debbie was brought into this world on June 10, 1954 in the town she would forever come to know as home; Galesburg. She was one of two cherished daughters (the other being Kathy [Terry] Bradford) of her warm-hearted parents, Kenny and Judy (French) Linn. On April 27, 1974 Debbie was blessed with the gift of marriage to her true love and lifelong companion William G. Polillo. Their journey together in life brought forth four children who they loved immensely; Billy, Jason (married to Kristina), Rachel (married to Devon Austin), and Luke. The pure joy and smile brought to Debbie’s face upon receiving two incredible grandchildren, William A. Polillo and Sophia R. Polillo, was quite simply unforgettable. Debbie is survived by all those aforementioned with the exception of her parents, and a brother, Jerry. Debbie was a homemaker and created a career of her own by cleaning houses with her best friend Patti Morrison. It started off small, but once word spread around town of their hard work, friendly mannerisms, and impeccable service; they were cleaning as many as twenty houses in one week. Debbie was strong of faith and attended mass weekly at either Corpus Christi Catholic Church or St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. She enjoyed being a fan of all her kids’ school sports teams. In fact, Debbie never missed a single game and could always be heard in the stands cheering them on.  Always. Debbie relished each and every moment she was given. She spent time in solitude and peace, taking care of her absolutely stunning and immaculate flower garden. She spent time with family, picking up knick-knacks and making memories at the Spoon River Scenic Drive. She spent time with her husband Bill, where simple routine activities like running errands on Saturday afternoon, attending Sunday mass before going out to lunch, and watching their favorite TV shows and sports teams compete became the foundation of a relationship that, by many, will never be forgotten. She spent time with her pets, caring for them so much that quite often she even asked how their days went. She spent time preparing for the holidays, decorating literally every crevice and surface of the house both inside and out to a state that would leave you in awe. She spent time cooking; her cookies are family renowned and her meals extraordinarily wholesome.  However, she never spent time on herself; she was always focused on others and what she could do to make them happy. That is what made Debbie such a remarkable woman. A Funeral Mass for Debbie will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 21, 2012 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, with Rev. William Miller, IC officiating.  The burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.  The visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday September 20, 2012 at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home, Galesburg.  The rosary will be prayed at 8 p.m.  Memorials may be made to the family.