Marie M. Patton - 96
lifelong Chicago Heights
Marie Marnan Patton, of Chicago Heights, passed away peacefully at home on November 11, 2025, surrounded by her children.
Born in Chicago Heights on December 8, 1928, Marie was a lifelong resident of the community she loved. She graduated from Bloom High School and Mundelein College. Her early employment included working as a waitress at Olympia Fields Country Club and clerking at Rau’s Department Store. After college, she went on to serve as editor of the Pabst Blue Ribbon magazine before marrying and dedicating herself to raising her family. Later, she began a second career with District #170 public schools teaching middle school and working as a Resource Room aide, where she inspired her students with her dedication to education.
Marie was deeply committed to her faith and her community. She was a life-long and active member of her beloved St. Agnes Parish (now Our Lady of the Heights), was an active member of the Chicago Heights Historical Preservation Advisory Board, and Altrusa International, Inc. She volunteered for nearly ten years at the Art Institute of Chicago — a reflection of her lifelong appreciation for culture and learning.
She is survived by her children David (Karen Rielage), Bernadette, Daniel (Hilary), and Mary (Tom Prochaska); five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; her brother, Howard Marnan (Maureen); and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, James; her parents, Bernadette and Howard Marnan; and her sisters, Ruth Schaefer and Luella Robson.
Marie was an avid reader and followed politics from an early age. An active traveler, she explored the globe near and far. She was known for her smile and ability to make a stranger feel like a long-time friend. Above all, her time spent with family and friends, regardless of the occasion, was her greatest joy.
Resting at Panozzo Bros. Funeral Home, 530 West 14th Street (US Rt 30, 3 blks E of Western Ave), Chicago Heights on Sunday November 16, 2025 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm and Monday November 17, 2025 from 8:30 am to 9:30 am to Our Lady of the Heights/St Agnes Church, 1501 Chicago Road, Chicago Heights. Mass 10:00 am. Interment Assumption Cemetery, Glenwood. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Marie’s name to Shriner’s Hospital (www.shrinerschildrens.org), or Mouth and Foot Painting Artists or St Judes Children’s Hospital (www.stjude.org) would be appreciated by the Patton family. Info 708-481-9230 and panozzobros.com.
Mary & Steve Grzywa
3 weeks, 2 days ago
Dear David, Bernadette, Daniel, Mary, and all the family,
Deepest sympathy on the loss of Marie. We're remembering her with great affection. She had a bigger-than-life personality and made everyone she encountered feel special and important. What a gift she was to our family. So sorry Steve & I won't be able to be there for the funeral; we are visiting our son in Arizona. May your memories bring you comfort. And may Marie rest in peace and rise in glory.
Love,
Steve & Mary (Saindon) Grzywa
Karen & Robert Newgard
3 weeks, 1 day ago
Marie was a better than wonderful friend and a Grand Lady. We had especially interesting and enjoyable times when we went to economics conferences together at the Chicago Federal Reserve as well as other places. God Bless her family!
Love Bob and Karen Newgard