Patricia Dirkes gently left this world on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at the age of 89.

Visitation will take place at the Hallowell & James Funeral Home in Countryside, IL on Sunday, September 28, 2025, from 3 PM until 7 PM. A funeral Mass will be held at St. John of the Cross in Western Springs, Illinois on Monday, September 29, 2025, at 11 AM.

Pat is preceded in death by her loving husband George. Many friends and family members will meet her for a great gathering of love and friendship in the life after. Pat always had a bright place amongst friends and family and will no doubt be the life of the party at her heavenly reunion.

Pat is survived by her daughters Kathleen Palmer (husband Philip Palmer) and Jennifer Dirkes (husband Michael Smith), grandchildren Kyle Palmer (wife Maggie Palmer) and Emma Palmer (husband Nathan Fisher), brother Jack Hesler (wife Kathy Hesler), and great-granddaughters Abigail and Sophia Palmer.

Patricia was born in Chicago on May 12, 1936, to Elmer and Dolores (Pesch) Storke. Berwyn, Illinois was the first homeplace until her mother remarried Edwin Hesler and the family moved to Hinsdale/Burr Ridge.

After graduating from Lemont High School, Pat attended Northern Illinois University for a short period but eventually left to pursue a dental assistant program in Chicago. Shortly thereafter she met her husband, George, which led to a marriage lasting 61 years filled with many adventures, travel, laughter, and wonderful memories, including two daughters Kathy and Jenny. Their homes in Hinsdale, La Grange Park, and eventually Indian Head Park were all transformed from mere houses into family-friendly homes. In her career outside the home, she worked at dental offices in the Hinsdale area, and as an activity director at a nursing home in La Grange.

Pat loved entertaining and the company of friends, with many notable parties, meals, and family celebrations taking place over the years. She loved being involved in several hobbies and clubs, as she was quite a social butterfly. She was a member of the Indian Head Park Women’s Club for many years, a member of the La Grange Junior Women’s Club, the Coterie Club, the Red Hat Society, the Village Club in Western Springs, and a member of the Infant Welfare Society. She enjoyed tennis, racquetball, bowling, gardening, flower arranging, walking, swimming, and golf. She dabbled in community theater briefly and was a member of St. John of the Cross Resurrection Choir. She even surprised her adult-aged daughters one day with her tap-dancing abilities. Throughout her life she had always been fond of dancing. Late in life, while gripping her walker, she would still relish her ability to shake her booty whenever she could.

Even though Pat’s social activities were numerous, family was always number one. Family events such as birthdays or anniversaries were never overlooked, and Christmas celebrations with the family were a favorite. Her participation and attendance at Kathy or Jenny’s musical or sporting events were rarely missed. Pat held in the highest regard any happening with her grandchildren or great grandchildren — from a  squeaky band concert or graduation ceremony, to a breakfast at a local restaurant, a quick pop-in visit, or a full-family party — these were the social events she cherished most, as these were the times she was addressed as ‘Nana’ or ‘Bubbi’ (the sweetest, proudest words her ears could ever hear).

The family of Patricia wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the staff at Aspired Living of La Grange.