Patricia Ann McCann

July 13, 1937-December 23, 2022

A Life of Distinguished Faith, Service and Gratitude

Patricia was born in Chicago on July 13th, 1937 to two loving Irish/German parents. She grew up with two brothers and was the light of her father's eye. Patricia was smart, gregarious, quick to smile, and was always giving of her time and energy to worthwhile organizations.

She graduated valedictorian of her high school class at Loretto High School and received a full scholarship to Rosary College in Chicago.

In 1958 she married the love of her life, Ronald McCann. Upon his return from the Army, they began their life together in Kankakee, IL. Having married into a large Irish Catholic family, she quickly became the big sister to her many brothers and sisters-in-law, helping with school papers and providing an extra room in their house when needed.

The 1960’s proved to be the decade of growing her own family as six children were added to the clan. While her children were young, Patricia helped Ronald through DePaul Law School and became involved in multiple community organizations.

As a mother, Patricia set an example to her children on how to live a life of service to faith and family. She believed strongly in the benefits of Catholic education, and with six children in school, became involved by participating in local School Boards and adult education programming. She also taught primary school in Kankakee County School District in her early years. Patricia loved to cook for the many Augustinian Missionaries and other Priests who would come to visit for a home-cooked meal. We especially remember her famous Cherries Jubilee during these special dinners.

She loved to read and joined many Book Clubs as she always believed in continuing her education by reading. She especially loved Irish authors such as James O’ Donoghue, James Joyce, and other spiritual leaders such as Anthony de Mello.

She taught Math and English to those that needed language skills for jobs upon leaving the prison systems and was the Executive Administrative Assistant to the Chief Patent Counsel at Amoco BP... all while bringing up six children.

Her commitment to service was a constant presence throughout her life. She was immersed in fundraising for the Augustinians, who were bringing missionaries to Peru and across South America. She called it "an honor and a privilege" to help these missionaries spread the word of God.

Over the years, she also was very involved in her husband’s work with OSHA until his retirement due to Parkinson’s disease. Patricia continued her life of faith and service by fully educating herself about Parkinson’s and insisted that she and her husband join whatever programming or clinics would further their ability to understand the disease and make Ron’s life easier.

In her later life, even with her own physical limitations becoming apparent, Patricia did everything she could to stay involved in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives. She planned weekend trips to Pheasant Run, musicals in downtown Chicago, and sleep-overs at her downtown building, which has the best swimming pool in Chicago.

Her never-ending charm, smile, and laugh will never be forgotten by her family and her friends, but she was most proud to be a Mother. If anyone embodied the true spiritual and physical definition of “Mother” it is Patricia. She was an amazing human being; beautiful in and out. Her bravery in adversity was second to none. Her caring nature was felt by all those around her; she was compassionate and showed sympathy to many. Lastly, although Patricia had challenges in her life and gave herself unfailingly to her family, her life was truly distinguished. We are proud to call such a distinguished woman our Mother.

To quote Patricia as she was nearing the end of her life, “Upon death, a glorious new life awaits us, but remember all the wondrous people in your life who brought you peace and helped you find your way home when lost. But most importantly, my life was truly a lifetime of alleluias and blessed belongings. May my last word to all of you be 'Thank You' !”

She leaves children Kathleen (Brian) Battle, Maureen (Peter Bulmer) McCann, Kevin (Cindy) McCann, Brian (Mary) McCann, Eileen McCann, and Brad Derthick. Proud grandmother of seventeen: Brendan and Delaney Battle; Katie and Johnny Sreenan; Rachael, Matthew, and Rebecca McCann; Bridget, Molly, Meghan, Bailey, Timmy, and Danny McCann; Shannon and Spencer Derthick; and Finnegan and Madelyn McCann.

She was preceded in death by husband Ronald J. McCann, parents Edward and Eileen Holly, brother Richard Holly, and son Patrick McCann.

Memorial service 10am, Friday, January 6, 2023, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, Clarendon Hills, IL.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for a donation to be made to The American Heart Association.

www.heart.org/donate.

For information contact Drake & Son Funeral Home, 773-561-6874 or www.Drake&SonFuneralHome.com.