Patricia Pauline (Panchak) Nicarico

Patricia Nicarico, 80, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, left this world peacefully at home in Bluffton, SC, surrounded by her family.

Known affectionately as “Patty” to her loved ones, Pat was a pillar of strength and grace through the deep personal tragedy of her young daughter and in her courageous five year battle with ovarian cancer.

Pat was preceded in death by her daughter, Jeanine and her parents, Gwendolyn and William Panchak. Pat is survived by her husband, Tom, her daughters Christine (Matt) Roy of Naperville, and Kathy (Jerry) Brown of Naperville, her grandchildren Madelynn Roy, Carson (Ashley) Brown, Nicholas Roy and Natalie Brown, her sisters Nancy (Bill) Aucone of Oyster Bay, NY, and Gwen Ellen (Bruce) Burdick of Bluffton, SC. She was a beloved aunt, great aunt, cousin and friend to many, her memory will be cherished forever.

On October 30, 1942 Patricia was born in Brooklyn, NY, and was a 1959 graduate from Bay Ridge High School, NY. She then attended Wood School for Secretaries and worked as an executive secretary for Turner Construction in Manhattan. Years later, Pat was the head secretary at Ellsworth Elementary School for almost 20 years upon retiring from Naperville Community School District 203.

Pat met Tom, her husband of 58 years, on a blind date. After a four year courtship back and forth to the Naval Academy, she began her marriage as a dedicated Navy-wife. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married in May of 1965. Their life together brought them to Rhode Island, Virginia, Hawaii, California, Mississippi, Illinois and eventual retirement in the low country of South Carolina.

The greatest joy in her life was her family. She was a devoted mother, raising her children with love and unwavering support. Her daughters were her pride and joy.

Pat’s favorite role was as a grandparent. She delighted in every moment spent with her beloved grandchildren, passing on her love and wisdom to each of them.  Pat never missed a text, call or FaceTime from any of them.

Cultivating lasting friendships throughout her life was second nature to Patty. She loved to entertain friends at home. Patty loved music. She always had an appropriate music playlist on reel to reel, cassette, or digital media, from Lowcountry Shag music to Neil Diamond. She delighted to be known as the Last to Leave at any party. Her talents ran across a wide range of areas, from furniture refinishing to silk screening, shopping, cooking, gardening, reading and cross-word puzzles.

Pat enjoyed giving back to her community. She was a founding member and co-director of the Jeanine Nicarico Memorial Literacy Fund, volunteer at St. Raphael Catholic church, CCD teacher, Rainbows for All Children volunteer, Red Hat Society “Red Hatters Matter”, Garden Club, Ladies 9 Hole League, Wine Club, Moss Creek’s Yacht Club, Brownie and Girl Scout leader, and one of the founders of The Last to Leave Gang.

As we say our farewells to Pat/Mom/Grandma, we remember a life well-lived, filled with much love, laughter and memories. While she may be gone, her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she touched. We find solace in the knowledge that she is now at peace with the Lord, reunited with loved ones who have gone before her, especially her daughter, Jeanine.

A celebration of her life with a visitation to be held on Friday, November 3, 2023, at 10:00 am at St. Raphael Catholic Church, Naperville, IL to be followed by a mass at 11:30 am.

Interment at SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Naperville, IL

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Jeanine Nicarico Memorial Fund for Literacy, www.nicaricoliteracyfund.org , 203 W. Hillside Rd., Naperville, IL 60540, (224)325-9289. All donations will be allocated to Jeanine’s Children’s Advocacy Center in DuPage County, IL.