Patricia “Pat” Maley

Patricia “Pat” Maley (nee Carraher) died at her home on Wednesday, October 17th in Western Springs, IL at the age of 64.
Pat is survived by her husband Jim Maley; children Kelly (Paul), Katie (Chris), and Jimmy (Katie); grandchildren Ella, Jake, Jack, Riley, Gwendolyn, Jimmy and Meg; siblings, Dick Carraher and Sally (late John) Rackowski. She was the beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her father Dick Carraher and her mother Katie Carraher.
Pat was born on May 1, 1954. She was a proud graduate of St. Cletus Grade School, Lyons Township High School and Quincy College with a degree in education. She married her high school sweetheart Jim in October of 1976 and worked as a full-time teacher at Holy Trinity Grade School in Westmont. After her daughter Kelly was born in 1978, she became a stay at home mom. When all her children were of school age she became a legendary substitute teacher at St. John of the Cross,Western Springs and St. Cletus, LaGrange. If you walked into a classroom and you saw “Mrs. Maley 6-feet tall” written on the board, you instantly became excited because you knew you were in store for a day of games, sports conversations, and amazing storytelling.
Pat was a dedicated mother that attended every game and was the ultimate post-game host. Her children and grandchildren were the center of her life and she took great pride that her entire family lived within two square miles of each other. This allowed her ample opportunity to spoil her grandchildren. (It’s rumored that Fisher-Price, Mattel, Nerf, Hot Wheels, and Amazon stock plummeted precipitously upon news of her death.) She was an accomplished communicator with an unprecedented number of friends. For this reason, she often jokingly (but not really) stated that she didn’t want a wake because “the line would be way too long to get in.” Her tennis group alone might hold up the line for hours because they were indeed the FUN. She was the perfect complement and loving wife to her husband Jim. She was his golf partner every weekend for years in Abbey Springs, attended all of the games that he coached, and watched “Hoosiers” with him before the start of each basketball season. She will be missed dearly by all.
A memorial mass is scheduled for 10:00 am Monday, October 22nd at St. Cletus in LaGrange.

Arrangements Entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home: 708-352-6500 or hjfunerals.com

16 Replies to “Patricia “Pat” Maley”

  1. Dear Maley Family –
    I am so sorry to hear the news of Pats passing – taken too soon.
    I knew her when I was a kid at St. Johns, my dad, Jim Kenny adored “Mrs. Maley”.
    My kids were also blessed to have had her as a substitute at St. Cletus.
    Our Thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
    ~ The Kenny Family

  2. I recently could not stop staring at the beautiful picture you posted to honor the anniversary of your parents … so handsome, so beautiful, so in love. They were married the year I was born. You all have captured so many wonderful memories of her love for all of you and her sweet grandchildren. I cannot stop thinking about you, Kelly, and your entire family. I send love and strength during this difficult time.

  3. I am so sorry for you, Kelly. I met your mom at physical therapy, and she was so kind, warm, and inspiring. She spoke so proudly about you and your siblings. My best to you and your family going forward. Bless all of you.

  4. I am so sorry to hear this sad news. I knew Pat because of being a teacher at SJC and I taught her children. Several weeks ago we were both shopping at the Jewel and took time to talk. I am so glad I had this time with her.

  5. Jim….my deepest sympathy to you and your family at this time of loss. I too have lost my better half and I can tell you that your children will be her lasting memorial and your strength.
    Be well …

    Jim Russo

  6. It is with our most sincere regrets that
    Mary and I have received this news.

    Friends with you guys since we first met back at Holy Cross, we have shared ours and your family growth.

    Rest in eternal peace and solitude our beloved friend and we share the
    loss each and every one of you feel.

  7. She was an incredible woman. Always cheerful, Always a kind word and totally dedicated to her family. She was always a pleasure to be around. When she came to St. Laurence to watch Jim coach, she always made everyone around her feel welcome. I know how much her family will miss her, but think of all the great memories you have. We are praying for the Maley Family at St. Laurence during this tough time. Rest in Peace, Pat.

    Jim Muting
    St. Laurence High School

  8. To all of the Maley family. You are and have always been an inspiration to me. The way you are there for each other and the rest of the family, always making an effort and supporting the lives of everyone. I’m so sad I can’t make it to the memorial mass, but I am there in heart. Patty was a role model to me when I was growing up. I loved how she was tall, and proud of it (I was taller than all the boys at the time) and she spoke up, she was electric, engaging and involved. Brushing her beautiful hair was inspiring to a 12 year old, I wanted to grow up to be just like her. She was a rock, and so fun to talk to. Her voice and her laugh will stick in my mind and heart forever. You have all been blessed beyond belief to have her as a sister, wife, mother, and friend. She will be so greatly missed.
    love to all of you
    Sheila

  9. To the Maley clan,
    My family and I are so sorry for your loss.
    Your Abbey Springs friend and neighbor,
    Alan and Judy Levine

  10. I am so sorry to hear about Pat. I knew her
    Through her sisterSally, and she was so gentle and sweet.
    My heart goes out to the family of Pat.
    Such an unexpected shock.
    I pray for Dick, that he recovers.
    I will light 2 candles: one for Pat, and
    one for Dick
    Praying for the family in their
    Unexpected loss.

  11. Dear Jim, Dick and Sally,

    I am so sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. Please accept our condolences and know that she and all of you are in our prayers. I think back to our years at Fenwick and the times my parents and us would visit your family in Countryside. God bless you all.

  12. To the Maley family and to Dick and Sally.

    Our condolences on the loss of Pat. We remember her from trips to Madison County Iowa, to family gatherings and to all of the Cunningham events that we attended. I remember the tall blond cousin with a huge smile.

    God bless you all.

    Jo and Bob Mulvihill

  13. Jim and family:

    I was devastated to learn of Pat’s passing. I met Chris at the Walton Harvard & he shared this with me.

    You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Fran Beckert Webb

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