Patricia Ann Nikcevich (nee O’Connell), age 88, longtime resident of Western Springs, went to be with our Lord on October 23, 2023.  Pat was a devoted mother to Cindy (Dennis) Bass, Dan (Kelly), and Jack (Linda); cherished grandmother of Kelsey (Iskar) Smith, Madeline, Alexis, Katherine, Elizabeth, Kailee, Emily, Christopher, and Sophie; proud great grandmother of Antonie, and loving aunt of Robert and Michael (Nancy) Raiman, and Richard (Ann) and John (Betsy) Nikchevich and their children, Ryan, Alexander, Justinne, Eric, Caroline, Robert, and Kate; and dear sister to Shirley Raiman.

Pat was born in Chicago in 1935 and graduated from St. Michael’s Central high school in 1953.  She met Ron, the love of her life in 1952 and they were married in 1957 in a small, romantic ceremony attended by their closest friends from Western Illinois University. Together, Pat and Ron soon started their family while living in Chicago, later moving to Westchester and finally to Western Springs where they continued to live for the next 45 years.  After raising their three children, Pat began her second career as a medical secretary, which was defined by her excellence and professionalism for over 20 years.

Pat was the epitome of a devoted wife. Regularly seen sitting in the bleachers cheering, she was an ardent supporter of her husband’s many basketball teams, both at Lyons Township High School and with Ron’s many international teams, spanning more than three decades.  She opened her home to many former basketball players and her children’s friends, welcoming them with food and love.  Pat was an avid world traveler, having visited several different countries with Ron, and she had a special place in the heart for Paris.  Pat especially enjoyed visiting Ireland with her daughter-in-law Linda and granddaughter Kelsey realizing a life-long dream of visiting the place of her Irish heritage. She enjoyed nothing more than spending time with her family while vacationing in Colorado, the Outer Banks of North Carolina, or seeing her first bald eagle while on many pontoon boat rides on Rainy Lake, MN.  Pat was innately curious and an amateur historian who read widely and possessed a deep knowledge of 20th century world events and politics, but she also loved a good Hallmark movie and the excitement and beauty of Christmastime spent with family.

Pat raised her family in a traditional, warm, and loving home and always took the time to sit and talk over tea or to offer advice to her children and grandchildren.  Her wry sense of humor would sometimes sneak out when advising her granddaughters about love and life, often beginning her advice with “Listen girls, if I knew then what I know now…” accompanied with a knowing smile and a shake of her finger.  Pat adored her grandchildren and absolutely loved the privilege of being their grandmother; she would jump at the chance to take them for ice cream or a shake at Oberweis, watch a volleyball game, or shop for Legos.  Pat was enormously proud of her family, and they are her legacy; she instilled the importance of kindness, compassion, and respect for all of God’s children and she will be deeply and forever missed.  We are all forever grateful to have had Pat in our lives.

Pat is preceded in death by her loving husband, Ron Nikcevich. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association or Dementia Society of America.

Visitation 10 AM until time of funeral service, 11:30 AM on Friday, November 3rd at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside, IL.  Private burial to follow at Montrose Cemetery, Chicago.  Funeral information: 708-352-6500