"You never outgrow Park Place" | Lillian Bartolo

Lillian DeBartolo has lived a remarkable life shaped by faith, family, and fortitude. Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, she weathered the Great Depression and World War II, learning early on the value of hard work and self-sufficiency. “We raised our own vegetables to get through,” she recalls. But even in the hardest times, there was joy. She remembers playing sports, earning scholarships, and discovering her lifelong love for music.

Music became her vocation and her ministry. As a piano teacher, Lillian taught generations of students. Her late husband even designed their home to include a recreational space so she to host concerts. When she later joined Christ Church, she continued her recitals there, enriching the community with her gifts.

After her husband passed, Lillian stayed in her home for five years before deciding to move closer to her daughter. She wanted a place that would support her as she aged—a community that could offer both independence and care. That search led her to Park Place.

“I came here knowing I was in my 90s,” she says, “and I knew this would be the perfect place for me. It had all the conveniences I needed.” Lillian moved into Life Care at Park Place in 2043 and immediately felt welcomed. “Everyone was so friendly,” she recalls. “I easily made friends, and I’m still close to some of the residents in Independent Living to this day.”

One of the things Lillian appreciates most is how Park Place honors each resident’s past while offering a vibrant present. She was able to continue her teaching and even held small recitals on campus. “It felt like a continuation of my life,” she says. “It didn’t feel like something was ending—it felt like something was continuing.”

Even after a fall in October that led her to transfer to another part of the community, Lillian remained impressed by the care and spirit around her. “I thought this section would be quiet,” she says, “but I was surprised by how much is planned – games, movies, parties, and you’d never believe it, a cooking class is headed by Lisa, who then treats us to the goodies. You never outgrow Park Place of Elmhurst.”

She finds comfort and joy in the day-to-day connections, such as meals with friends, conversations with staff, and visits from family. Her four daughters live across the country, but thanks to Park Place’s welcoming environment, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren love to visit—especially for a dip in the pool. “I have twelve great-grandchildren,” she says proudly. “They love it here!”

Lillian also finds peace in the security and dignity Park Place offers. “When you reach a certain age, you need a place where you’re supported, and it puts one at ease,” she says. 

In her words, “I can’t imagine being anywhere else at this stage in life.” And that says it all.