Alexandra L. Dilley

Celebrating a Life of Family, Music, and Service

Alexandra L. Dilley (1944–2025)

Alexandra L. Dilley, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and community leader, passed away on July 26, 2025, at Highline Place, a memory care facility, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Alexandra, known to many as Alex and affectionately as Sandy in her youth, was 81 years old.

Early Life and Family

Born on February 1, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, Alexandra was the eldest child of Ferdinand A. Sierzega and Alice M. Konkoleski. Her father was serving in the Army in Alaska during World War II at the time of her birth. Alexandra grew up alongside her three younger brothers: Fred (Bernie), David (deceased), and Robert (Ricky).

A Lifelong Passion for Music and Service

Alexandra’s love for music was evident from an early age. She played the accordion into her late seventies and was actively involved in the Girl Scouts throughout high school, where she honed her camping skills—skills she would share with her family for decades to come. Alex graduated from St. Michael’s High School in southeast Chicago in 1961 and briefly attended Mundelein College before pursuing beauty school, working in that industry until 1965.

Love and Marriage

In 1960, as a high school senior, Alexandra joined her family for a vacation at Bass Lake, Indiana. A horse-riding excursion led her to Lightning Dude Ranch, where she met Gerald “Jerry” J. Dilley. Her independent spirit—refusing help to mount a horse—caught Jerry’s attention, beginning a love story that would span more than sixty years. The couple married on September 12, 1964, and built a life together full of adventure, family, and music.

Family and Community Life

Alexandra and Jerry welcomed three children: Diane (1965), Susan (1966), and Garrett (1971). Horses became a part of family life, with Josh arriving in 1966 and Candy in 1972. Their home in Oak Forest/Tinley Park, Illinois, provided the setting for countless family activities—gymnastics, soccer, ice skating, trail rides, and many weekends at her father’s cottage in Bohners Lake, Wisconsin. Alexandra was a dedicated stay-at-home mother, Girl Scout leader, religious education volunteer, and community member.

Education and Musical Leadership

As her children grew, Alexandra pursued her love of music through night courses at junior college, earning an Associate of Arts in Music. She learned guitar from a nun and led youth groups to sing and play for Catholic mass, eventually inviting Jerry to join her musical endeavors. In 1983, the family moved to Castle Rock, Colorado, where they owned and operated a business in Elizabeth, CO.

Alexandra’s musical leadership blossomed as she built the music program at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Castle Rock, overcoming challenges such as the lack of hymn books and a broken organ. Her commitment to church music continued throughout her life, including nearly three decades of leading song at the Sacred Heart Jesuit Retreat House.

Later Years and Entrepreneurial Spirit

In the 1990s, Alexandra welcomed grandchildren into her life: Camille and Eliza (Diane and Zig Gadziala), Damir, AJ, Kamila and Madina (Susan and John Schebler). Garrett married Kerri Font with two daughters, Alyson and Lilly. Alexandra completed her Bachelor of Science in Business at Regis University in 1997 and established Alexandra’s Entertainment Connection, where she thrived as a booking agent for Denver’s performing artists for 17 years, always inspired by their creativity and talent.

Retirement and Remembrance

Alexandra’s devotion to music and service endured even after retiring from her role as Music Director at St. Francis. She led music at Sacred Heart Jesuit Retreat House for neighbors and retreatants, with Jerry and countless friends by her side. Eventually, as her health declined, Alexandra and Jerry retired from music ministry, cherishing the legacy they built together.

Memorial Service

A memorial service celebrating Alexandra’s life will be held on November 25, 2025, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Castle Rock, with interment at Cedar Hills Cemetery, Castle Rock, Colorado. Alexandra’s family, friends, and community will remember her for her kindness, musical talent, leadership, and unwavering love.

Alexandra L. Dilley leaves behind a legacy of family, music, and faith—a life well-lived and deeply cherished.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association in Alexandra's name and memory. 

Live stream link: www.youtube.com/@St.FrancisofAssisiCastleRockCO

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