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Patricia Heaster-Kohl Obituary

Patricia Eileen (Swearingen) Heaster-Kohl 82 NAPERVILLE - Patricia Eileen (Swearingen) Heaster-Kohl, 82, passed away Thursday, June 2, 2011, in Naperville. Born Dec. 6, 1928, in Chicago to Harold and Eileen Gray Swearingen. Married Harold Heaster on Aug. 25, 1945; he died in 1979. Married Dr. Mathias F.F. Kohl on Dec. 6, 1980; he died in 2001. Patricia studied at the Art Institute of Chicago, specializing in portraits. She graduated from the Chicago public school's practical nursing program in 1965 and worked at Presbyterian St. Luke and Little Company of Mary Hospitals. In 1977, she earned an associate's degree in mental health technology from Prairie State College. Other interest included painting, songwriting, music, working with miniatures, writing and illustrating for publications, genealogy and acting. Patricia served on the board of the Winnebago County Council on Aging in Rockford. She is survived by son, David (Donna) Heaster of Hazel Crest; daughters, Ruthanne (the late Robert) Oberholtzer of Geneva and Kristin (George) Benjamin of Allentown, Pa.; grandmother to Jennifer, Jason, Lisa, Jessica, David, Rachel and Samantha; great-grandmother to Amanda, Shay, Hope and Kaitlyn. Children by marriage include Michael Kohl of Rockford, Stephen (Cecelia) Kohl of Alamo, Calif., David (Barbara) Kohl of Rockford, Dr. Jonathan (Janna) Kohl of Pacific Palisades, Calif., and Deborah Kohl of Rockford. Grandchildren by marriage include Sarah, Thomas, Ryan, Amanda, Michele, Gregory, Courtney, David, Jonathan, Kristin and Gunner; and great-grandchildren, Jeff, Hadley and Lee. Service took place in Tews Funeral Home, 18230 Dixie Highway, Homewood. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Scleroderma Foundation at scleroderma.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Rockford Register Star from Jun. 6 to Jun. 7, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
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Mary Q. Miller

June 6, 2011

Ruth, Kris and David...I wil always remember Girl Scouts, your Mom's outspoken, direct sense of humor and her talent as an artist...she will be missed...love you guys! Mary Beth (Quinn) Miller

June 6, 2011

Ruth

June 6, 2011

Kris, I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was an incredible person!
Lucia Rubel, Berkeley, Il.

Joe Donaldson

June 6, 2011

Fond memories of Pat who I met while she holidayed with my friend here in the Scottish Highlands, we laughed a lot.
I send my sympathy to all her family in their loss
Joe Donaldson Scottish Highlands

Andrea Pindak

June 5, 2011

Ruth, Kris and David, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your mom's adventures were often our adventures as she used us as test cases during her mental health college classes. I often remember the crazy questions she used to ask us as kids and remember her lovely laugh as we honestly responded. She was such a dear and true friend to our mom and we will all miss her and wish her God's heavenly peace! Andrea (Quinn) Pindak and Family

Doody Family

June 5, 2011

Dearest Kristin, Ruthanne, David and family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Your mom's passing is a loss for us but heaven is welcoming a bundle of Joy!
Pat was passionate, creative, loving and always a hoot!
We are all blessed to call her friend ever since our days living in Roseland!

May memories ease your sorrow and time bring you peace.

With Love,
Eileen Doody

No eye has seen no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.
1 Corinthians 2:9

Vie Macdonald

June 5, 2011

Fond memories of a lovely person. Pat visited my home while on holiday with my good friend Donella and I so enjoyed meeting her. Sending sympathies to all her family.
Vie Macdonald, Strathpeffer, Scotland

Patricia Benjamin

June 5, 2011

Pat enjoyed life to the fullest - an inspiration - talented and open hearted. She will be missed. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

Donella Mackenzie

June 5, 2011

In memory of my dear dear friend Pat who I will never forget.
With sympathy to all her family in her loss
Donella, and family in Scotland

Cece Kohl

June 4, 2011

We are saddened by the loss of Pat to our family Steve

From the Staff of Tews Funeral Home

June 4, 2011

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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