Liliana "Lily" Kolb

Madison - Liliana “Lily” Grace Kolb, age 20, passed away on Thursday, April 1, 2021, at her home in Madison. She was born on July 25, 2000, in Madison, Wisconsin, the daughter of Lorre Kolb. Lily was a gift. Artistic, loving, and funny. She touched so many hearts and will be deeply missed.

Lily laughed. She was witty with a wicked sense of humor. Strong-willed, with the oratory skills of a seasoned trial attorney. Hidden beneath that tough exterior was a fragile being only wanting to be loved and not hurt. Unfortunately, she turned to substances to numb her feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy. Lily created. Painting, photography, crafts– and her gifts were recognized. In her early teen years, her 4-H art project was selected to go to the Wisconsin State Fair. When life was a struggle, she expressed her inner world; a full-size mural of a scene from Alice in Wonderland once appeared on her bedroom wall. Free drawn and painted. She searched for new media and dreamed of becoming a tattoo artist. But her most beautiful creation was her son. Lily loved her son. Dogs, cats, fish, a lizard, a hamster, and a snake all found their way into her family home and her loving arms as she grew up. Lily’s caring nature included a sense of responsibility for other people, sometimes even to the detriment of her own well-being. Her path was challenging. She did not always believe how deeply loved she was. Lily succumbed to an accidental overdose while waiting for a treatment appointment a few days away. We are comforted by the way she found beauty around her, and fun in her life. We are comforted that she felt love and hope at the end. Lily will be deeply missed. Those who love her, hope she has found peace.

She is survived by her son, mother, Lorre, grandmother, Helen Zoellner Kelly, as well as a host of loving relatives and friends.

Lily was preceded in death by her great aunt Sally and great aunt Mary, two of her six favorite great aunts.

A "Celebration of Lily's Life" will be held on June 6, 2021, from 2-4:30 pm at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Avenue, Madison, WI 53704.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, DAIS (Domestic Abuse Intervention Services), or an animal shelter of your choice.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services

3610 Speedway Road

(608) 238-3434