Delma Birbilis

Delma Jean Lighty Birbilis was born on August 31, 1930 and passed away peacefully on October 17, 2026 at the age of 96.

Delma was born in Madison, Wisconsin to Paul and Florence Lighty. Her brother Richard was born in 1933 and her sister Ruth was born in 1941. Delma lived in Stoughton WI, Elkins WV, Baldwin NY, New York City, Tulsa OK, St. Paul MN and finally in Chicago, IL.

Delma graduated from Baldwin High School on Long Island and attended Davis & Elkins College in West Virginia. She moved to New York City in 1950 and was a tour guide for NBC Studios. She then joined American Airlines as a stewardess in 1952. In 1954 while in Tulsa, she met Tom Birbilis and they were married October 17, 1954 in New Jersey.

Tom and Delma settled in Tulsa and raised four children. Delma retired as a stewardess and was a travel and cruise agent for decades. Tom and Delma loved to travel all over the world.

Delma was an amazing cook and baker. She won many blue ribbons for her pies at the Tulsa State Fair. She appreciated diverse cuisine and was always cooking and baking for her family. She was an accomplished seamstress and an avid reader, specifically biographies.

Delma was a lifelong member of the Kiwis, an organization of retired American Airlines stewardesses. She was a member of the Chi Omega sorority, a founding member of Learn & Earn Investors and a member of the International Club of Tulsa. She was an avid lover of the theater, symphony, and opera in Tulsa and Chicago.

Delma had the most beautiful smile and was literally the life of any party. She and Tom had a wide circle of friends and a lively social life.

Delma was blessed to be lovingly cared for by her three caregivers, Thess, Carol and Sofia for the past five years at Hallmark Senior Living in Chicago.

Delma passed away on what would have been her and Tom’s 72nd anniversary.

Delma was preceded in death by her dear husband Tom, her beloved sister Ruth Costa, and her loving parents, Paul and Florence.

She is survived by her children and their spouses and grandchildren: Jean Birbilis of St. Paul, Ted Birbilis (Sandy Raulston) of Dallas, Linda Gillum (Guy Van Swearingen IV) of Chicago, and Sharon Hodson (Mike Hodson) of Long Island. Grandchildren are Elliot Hodson (McKayla Hodson), Maxwell Hodson, Lily Hodson, Guy Van Swearingen V and Esmé Van Swearingen.

She is also survived by her niece and nephews, Paul, Hannes, Stefan and Thomas Ruderstaller and Steve and Ann Lighty.

Cremation took place October 20, 2026 in Arlington Heights, Illinois. A celebration of Delma’s life with family and friends will be held at a later date.

Donations in Delma’s memory can be made to the Sjögren’s Foundation (www.sjögrens.org) or Remy Bumppo Theatre (www.remybumppo.org) in Chicago.

Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-318-1305 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com.