Obituaries

Home 9 Obituaries 9 Marlene Ann Patterson

Marlene Ann Patterson

August 8, 1938 - March 3, 2023

Marlene Ann Patterson Marlene Ann Patterson
  • VISITATION
    March 9, 2023 | 4:00 - 8:00 P.M.
  • Yurs Funeral Home
    1771 West State Street
    Geneva, IL 60134
  • Funeral
  • March 10, 2023 | 9:30 A.M.
  • Saint Gall Catholic Church
    43w885 Hughes Road
    Elburn, IL 60119
  • Burial Location
    Assumption Cemetery, Wheaton, IL

Marlene Ann (Gorz) Patterson, dearly loved mother and grandmother passed away peacefully at the age of 84 years on Friday March 3, 2023 at Brighton Gardens, St. Charles,IL, after a long and brave battle with Lewy Body Dementia.

Marlene was born on August 8th, 1938, to Carl and Mary Gorz of Glen Ellyn, IL. While Marlene was a talented dancer and studied ballet for several years, she ultimately graduated from Washington University in St. Louis, MO with a Bachelor of Art degree. Marlene met her future husband, Robert “Bob” Patterson at art school – where he captured her heart by tying the sleeves of her art shirt together and taking her dancing at local jazz clubs. Marlene and Bob were married on November 25, 1961, at St. Petronille Catholic Church in Glen Ellyn IL.

Following graduation, Marlene joined the prestigious art department of Stix Baer & Fuller (St. Louis, MO) as a fashion illustrator until 1963. Several of her designs received recognition for their outstanding artistry. Marlene returned to her artistic roots later in life as a floral designer working at Batavia Floral (Batavia, IL), The Chandler Shop (Geneva, IL) Art Images (Geneva, IL) and Nancy Chapp Designs (Elburn, IL).

Marlene was a devoted wife and mother whose true purpose and passion was her family. She gave birth to Kimberly Ann on March 11, 1963, followed by her only son Russell Thomas on May 12, 1964, Kelly Elizabeth on May 11, 1967, and Krista Marlene on September 25, 1971. With 4 children under the age of 12 years, her husband Bob was diagnosed with kidney disease in 1976 and was not expected to live past the age of 40. Marlene responded with faith, love, and action, becoming trained in hemodialysis so that she could treat Dad at home until he received a kidney transplant in 1982. During this time, she continued to work, maintain a home, and care for her children and parents. She had an amazing capacity to face adversity with grace and joy throughout her life and is an inspiration to us all.

Marlene had a contagious personality and always made people around her laugh, usually by sharing one of her famous self-deprecating stories. She made friends everywhere and was quick with a smile, a kind word, and an offer to help a friend or loved one in need. She was rarely if ever still and fought sleep as an unnecessary disruption to her day. She was a dedicated Mother first and foremost, but truly treasured her grandchildren Nate, Jacob, Reese, Angelina, and Brody and adored every moment she spent with them, particularly during summer “Grandma Camp.”

Marlene was a devout Catholic who believed absolutely in the power of prayer, and prayed the rosary every day of her life. She generously volunteered her time and talents to her church communities Holy Cross (Batavia, IL) and St. Gall (Elburn, IL) for decades. Her dedication to the church suited her servant heart as she selflessly served as a Sunday school teacher, fundraiser committee member, host and speaker at CHIRP retreats, served at funeral luncheons and Annual Turkey Dinners; she cleaned the church, helped set up daily mass, and was a Eucharistic minister for the homebound. Marlene and Bob even made a life-changing pilgrimage to Medjugorje in 1991 to visit the site of Our Blessed Mother’s daily apparitions.

Marlene is preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, Bob, on June 6, 2019; eldest brother Carl Gorz, Jr, and her beloved parents Mary and Carl Gorz. She is survived by sisters Mary Carol, Karen Louise, and her brother Luis John; her children Kim (Steve), Russ (Victoria), Kelly (Dan), and Krista (Brian); and grandchildren Nate, Jake, Reese, Angelina, and Brody.

A visitation honoring and celebrating Marlene’s beautiful life will be held on Thursday, March 9th 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Yurs Funeral Home in Geneva, IL, followed by her funeral mass on Friday, March 10th at 9:30 a.m. at St. Gall Catholic Church in Elburn. IL.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association Donate to Lewy Body Dementia Association (lbda.org)

Condolences


Mary Cherry from Elburn , IL

"Our condolences to Marlene’s family. She was our neighbor in Elburn for many years. She was such a sweet lady. Eternal rest grant onto her and may she rest in eternal peace."


from ,

"She was all that and more. The basement buddies were so lucky to spend our days with her doing one of our favorite things. Her arrangements were spectacular! Her friendship meant a lot to us. ♥️"


Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *