Patricia C. Blake, of Willowbrook, died on July 12 at the age of 86 after a long battle with COPD. She was the beloved wife of the late William A. Blake; loving mother of Molly (Mark) Michaels, Susan (Steven) York, & Ellen (Isaac) Kornhauser; proud grandma of Lauren (Wes), Blake, Zachary, Jordan, Kailey (Eric), Kara, MacKenzie, & Marlee; great-grandma of Hank & Felicity; dear sister of the late Mary Costello; pre-deceased by loving parents Maurice & Dorothy Costello; aunt and friend of many.

Pat was born in Chicago and raised in Oak Park, IL.  She attended Mercy High school, followed by St. Mary’s of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, and graduated from Rosary College in River Forest, Illinois. Pat and her future husband, Bill, a fellow Chicago area native, met serendipitously when they were in the same ski class during a vacation to Aspen, Colorado.  Although their ski careers appear to have ended with that lesson, their relationship did not and they were married at St. Giles Catholic Church in Oak Park in 1960.

Pat and Bill had three children within 4 years, and as Bill’s career at Borg-Warner progressed, Pat used her extraordinary organizational skills to relocate the family to the varied locations where he worked.

As empty-nesters, Bill and Pat enjoyed travel and socializing with their friends and family.  They were both devoted grandparents, attending games, plays and birthday parties.

Pat was a skilled bridge player, and she played through most of her life. She was also an avid reader, and loved mysteries in particular.  Pat loved theater, and until the COVID-19 pandemic,she regularly attended productions in local theatres as well as Chicago.

Her family and friends will miss her laughter, love and support. May her memory be a blessing to all.

Visitation 10 a.m. until time of Funeral Mass, 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 17 at St. John of the Cross Church, 5005 S. Wolf Rd., Western Springs. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Pat’s name to St. Judes Hospital, at www.stjude.org

Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home, Countryside. Info: (708) 352-6500