Lila Lea (Skow) Molloy

Lila L. Molloy (née Skow)

Lila L. Molloy (née Skow) passed peacefully on May 6, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 12, 1935, in South English, Iowa, the daughter of Alvin and Ethel Skow. Lila was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, James; her brothers, Delano and Phillip; her brother-in-law, Norbert Meysenburg; and her niece, Lori Baar.

She is lovingly survived by her children, Timothy, Karen, and Michael (Deanna); her sister, Rita (Hal) Baar; and her sister-in-law, Betty (Knobby) Meysenburg. Lila was an exceptionally proud grandmother to Kayla (Alex) Gilgenbach, Ryan (fiancée Allie Potter), Katrina, Emma, and Connor, and a devoted great-grandmother to Mason and Jackson Gilgenbach, and Cole Molloy. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cherished friends who held a special place in her heart.

Lila graduated from Northville High School in Michigan and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Mount Mary College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa—a calling that would shape her life and legacy. After marrying her husband Jim, the Army drafted him and sent them to Milwaukee, which became her home for the rest of her life.

Lila dedicated more than 40 years to nursing at St. Michael’s Hospital. Caring for others was more than a profession—it was her passion. Through her work at “St. Mike’s,” she formed deep, lifelong friendships. Even in her later years, one of her greatest joys was the monthly brunches and Bloody Mary lunches with the St. Mike’s gang, a tradition filled with laughter, stories, and love.

Family and friends were at the center of Lila’s life, a value she modeled and instilled in all who knew her. As a mother, she was unwavering in her support—attending sporting events, helping with paper routes, and always offering a steady word of encouragement. She was simply always there, and her children know how fortunate they were to call her Mom.

Becoming a grandmother—and later a great-grandmother—was truly the icing on the cake for Lila. She cherished every moment spent with them and eagerly looked forward to the next visit. Their presence made her face beam and her heart overflow with joy.

Lila also treasured time spent with extended family, especially gatherings at her sister Rita’s lake home in Michigan and trips back to Iowa to reconnect with family and her roots.

A devoted sports fan, Lila passionately cheered for the Packers, Brewers, and Bucks—but her most important team was her beloved Iowa Hawkeyes. Fall Saturdays were sacred, and watching the Hawkeyes brought out a whole other side of her spirited personality. She also enjoyed traveling, playing mahjong, reading, knitting, and tending to her garden.

Lila fought the good fight to the very end. Her family is grateful for the precious extra time she gave them through her decision to undergo dialysis – a selfless gift that meant more than words can express.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at DaVita Dialysis Center in Menomonee Falls for the compassionate care they provided.

Visitation will be held for Lila on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 9:30am until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30am, all at St. Mary Mother of God Catholic Church, N89W16297 Cleveland Avenue Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin 53051.Nurses Honor Guard Ritual at 10:20am. Interment will follow the Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Donations to Messmer High School (https://www.messmerhigh.org/giving-page) or American Diabetes Association (https://diabetes.org) requested by Lila's family.

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