Mary Frances (Fran) Patchak, 103, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at her home in Bethlehem Woods Village, LaGrange Park, IL. Fran was born on April 5, 1922, in Tors Cove, Newfoundland to Michael and Nellie Power. She grew up alongside her five sisters: Madonna, Laura, Blanche, Carmel, and Barbara. Tors Cove was a small fishing port in the "Irish Loop" of villages along the Newfoundland coast. As a young adult, Fran walked several miles to the neighboring port of LaManche, where she taught in the one-room schoolhouse.

After Newfoundland became part of Canada, Fran found work at the military base in Goose Bay, Labrador. The base had a Canadian side, where Fran worked, and an American side. From her office window, Fran could see the American soldiers as they arrived by plane. There must have been opportunities to socialize, because on October 15, 1949, she married one of them, Master Sergeant Raymond J. Patchak. Her husband's military career involved moves to several states, and the moves continued after Ray and Fran both took jobs with the Veteran's Administration. In their working years, they lived in Newfoundland, Texas, New Hampshire, Virginia, Illinois, Maine, and New Jersey.

In 1986, Fran and Raymond retired to Pensacola, Florida, where Fran remained after her husband's death 1991. Fran was known for her daily walks at such a fast pace that younger friends had trouble keeping up. In order to be closer to her children, Fran moved to Bethlehem Woods in June 2016, and continued her daily walks. Five years later, at 99, she was blessed to find a wonderful caregiver, Nenita Berena, who lived with her for the rest of her life.

Fran is survived by 5 children, Sharon, Beverley, Raymond Jr., Michael, and Kenneth, 12 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. Fran's life was a testament to the power of love, perseverance, and family. She was known for her gentle spirit, generous heart, and the joy she brought to every gathering.

Family and friends are invited to join in honoring her remarkable life at the following services: A celebration of life on Friday, July 18, 2025, at 11:00 AM, Bethlehem Woods Village, LaGrange Park, IL, Meeting Room

A funeral mass on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 11:00 AM, Nativity of Our Lord Church, Pensacola, Florida. Followed by burial at Barrancas National Cemetery, 1:30 PM

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Maryknoll Sisters for their global missionary work: https://www.maryknollsisters.org/ (Click on the Donate button.)