Patricia ‘Pat’ Kay Szczeblewski – Mulkeytown, IL

Patricia “Pat” Kay Szczeblewski, 75, of Mulkeytown, IL., passed away at 1:32 p.m., June 9, 2019, at her residence.

Pat was born on December 19, 1943, to Bill and Winnie (Scott) Bailey. She married Richard Szczeblewski on August 5, 1960, and became in her words, a “Kept Woman.”

She is preceded in death by her husband of 55 years; parents; and one brother, David Bailey.

Pat is survived by her children, Tracey (Michael) Vandekerkhove of Mulkeytown, Jamie Donovan of Mulkeytown, and Steven (Deb) Szczeblewski of West Frankfort. Her grandchildren, Stormi (Brandon) Dilliner, Ty (Abbey) Vandekerkhove, Treg (Faith) Vandekerkhove, Shad Donovan, Remy Vandekerkhove and special friend Caleb Miner, and Nathan (Jodi) Robasse; her great-grandchildren, Shayne Dilliner, Bentley Donovan, Sloane Vandekerkhove, MaKaiden Robasse, and Taylor (Tayler) Ellison; and great-great grandchildren, Dylan and Rhett Ellison.

She took great joy in life. Pat was a dedicated and loving wife and mother. She was a Girl Scout Leader, Cub Scout Leader, Room Mother/ Parent Volunteer, the first woman to hold a seat on the Sesser-Valier School Board, attended the Greenwood United Methodist Church, where she was a Sunday School Teacher and led a kids Saturday program when her grand-children were young. Pat loved life and brought laughter wherever she went. She was always up for a good time.

She will be remembered for her witty sayings and her dedication of sending cards for any and all occasions. Pat loved to play games (especially Pinnochle) and spent many hours playing with family and friends.

After a battle with Metastatic Breast Cancer and COPD she entered peacefully into God’s Kingdom at home surrounded by her family. Her big heart and generous spirit will be greatly missed. Mom, Grams, Weezer you are forever in our hearts. We love you!

Pat and her family want to thank all the friends and church family who visited and brought food for her to enjoy while she was alive (per her request), the cards, flowers and many prayers sent her way. Thank you to the SIH Cancer Institute of Southern Illinois for their kindness and care, the friendly staff of Medicine Shop that always took care to deliver her medical supplies, and Hospice of Southern Illinois for their wonderful care.

Words Pat lived by: Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, totally worn out and proclaiming, “Wow, What a Ride!”

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

There will be a celebration of life for Pat on Friday, June 14, 2019, at the Greenwood United Methodist Church, 2638 Park Street Road, Mulkeytown, IL., Starting at 1:00 p.m. with a brief service at 3:30 p.m., with the Rev. Bill Wiggs officiating.

In lieu of flowers, Pat requested donations be made to the Greenwood United Methodist Church, Hospice of Southern Illinois, or the charity of your choice.

Praise God for his goodness. Pat loved the Lord with all her heart!

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.