1960-2006

Streator – Patricia O’Brien, devoted mother of Axel, died Friday, June 2, 2006, at the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Patty was born Oct. 26, 1960, in White Plains, N.Y., the daughter of James K. and Virginia S. O’Brien.

She is survived by her son, Axel Swanson; her mother, Virginia; brothers, Richard (Deborah) of Sparta, N.J., Michael (Tracey) of Kill Devil Hills, N.C.; sisters, Susan Moore of Toms River, N.J., Kathleen (Ron) Tweedle of Margaretville, N.Y., Noreen (Tom) O’Brien-Davis of Springfield and Eileen (Aaron) Foote of Streator; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 7, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Streator with Rev. John Gutz officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Hagi Funeral Home in Streator.

Pallbearers will be brothers, Richard and Michael, family members, Tom and Connor Davis, Aaron Foote Sr. and Aaron Foote Jr.

Patty was a graduate of Illinois State University. She continued her education at the Illinois State Police Academy in Springfield, Ill., where she was the sole female graduate among 37 males. For four years, Patty was employed as a deputy sheriff for La Salle County. For the past 15 years, Patty served the children of La Salle County as an investigator for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

Patty was an avid gardener, a skilled equestrian and a music lover who enjoyed attending concerts with her son. Her passion for rock collecting led her throughout the highways and byways of rural Illinois and other environs with her sister, Eileen.

Four-wheeling and vacations to the seaside were her favorite pastimes she shared with Axel. Patty loving supported her son’s many activities and found great pride in his achievements.

Patty was a life member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and colleagues.

Memorials may be directed to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.