Obituaries
Frances M. Ilg, Wife of Noel: Obituary
First organist and choir director for the new parish of St. Joseph Avon Lake.
Frances M. Ilg (nee Dister), 81, of Avon Lake, passed away on June 20, 2013 after an extended illness with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Disease at Avon Oaks Skilled Nursing Facility.
She was born on September 15, 1931, the youngest of four children born to Cecilia and Raymond Dister. Fran grew up on Ernadale Avenue in Cleveland, and graduated from Our Lady of the Angels Grade School and St. Joseph Academy in Cleveland.
Fran worked as a secretary for the A. H. Ficken Company in Cleveland. She became the first organist and choir director for the new parish of St. Joseph Avon Lake in 1949. She played a small pump organ for Sunday Mass which was held in the old Avon Lake Theater.
Fran met Noel Ilg when someone invited Noel to play the organ while Fran directed the choir in the new St. Joseph Church in 1950. They fell in love and were married in 1952. Seven children followed, then 23 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren.
Fran was also a member of the St. Joseph Ladies Guild, participated in her neighborhood's Block Rosary, and was part of the early years of Mighty Goliath Productions. Her interests included music, genealogy and her family.
She is survived by her husband of 61 years Noel; children Cecilia M. McKay (Terrence) of Avon Lake, Stephen J. (Anna) of Avon Lake, Kenneth R. (Teresa) of Somers Point NJ, Bernadette A. Hisey (Ernest) of Westlake, Gregory R. of Raleigh NC, Theresa M. Martin (Thomas) of Avon Lake, and Christopher P. (Kate) of Medina; 23 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; brother, Raymond E. Dister Jr.; and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her father, Raymond E. Dister; mother, Cecilia A. Dister; sister, Charlotte M. Crouse; brother, Richard J. Dister; and infant son, Noel S., Jr.
Friends may call at the Busch Funeral Home, 163 Avon-Belden Road, Avon Lake on Tuesday, June 25 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8:30 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial officiated by Fr. Ron Wearsch at St. Joseph Church, 32929 Lake Road, Avon Lake on Wednesday, June 26 at 10 a.m.
Entombment to follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens, Avon. Memorial contributions may be forwarded to St. Joseph Church Pipe Organ Fund.
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