Sylvia L. Hilger (nee Perovich), 78, passed away. She was born in Fiume, Italy, to the late Antonio and Maria Perovich.
Sylvia was the beloved sister of the late Lucy Kaleb and sister-in-law to her husband, Beris. Sylvia’s family immigrated to the United States, where they built their lives and became American citizens.
Sylvia attended St. Jerome Catholic School in Bridgeport and graduated from Little Flower High School in Chicago. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Mundelein College in Chicago and later received her Master’s in Business Administration from St. Xavier University in Chicago.
Sylvia enjoyed a successful and distinguished business career, ultimately serving as Vice President of Northern Trust Company. She was a devoted wife and mother. Sylvia and her husband, Jim, shared 56 years of marriage and were blessed with two children: daughter Julie, who preceded her in death, and son Tony.
Sylvia and Jim were longtime members of the Italian Club Veneti Nel Mondo. They cherished the friendships they made through the club and especially enjoyed traveling with family and friends throughout Italy and Croatia, celebrating her heritage and creating lasting memories together.
Sylvia will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her accomplished career, her Italian heritage, and the many friendships she treasured throughout her life.
Visitation: Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 4 to 8 p.m. at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice, Illinois.
Funeral: Thursday, September 10, 2026. Prayers and procession begin at 8:45 a.m. from the funeral home to Saint James at Sag Bridge Church, 10600 Archer Avenue, Lemont, Illinois, for 10 a.m. Mass.
Interment: Saint Mary Cemetery, Evergreen Park, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rosary Hill Home in Justice, Illinois.