Patricia Ackerman

Patricia “Pat” Ackerman, 74, of Longboat Key, Fla., formerly of Mt. Vernon, passed away on June 20, 2008, a day before her 75th birthday, at Crossroads Community Hospital in Mt. Vernon. She was born June 21, 1933, in Elgin, daughter of Dr. Clifford and Bea (Thompson) Becherer. She married Alan Ackerman at the First Presbyterian Church in Peoria on Feb. 8, 1963, and he survives in Longboat Key.After attending East Peoria city schools, Pat graduated from Beloit College in 1955 with a bachelor’s degree. She was a member of Delta Gamma Sorority and in 1955 was elected “The Sweetheart of Sigma Chi.” After graduation, she taught for several years in the East Peoria grade school system. Pat moved to Mt. Vernon in 1963 as Alan was assigned the Southern Illinois territory by his employer, Keystone Steel and Wire Co. She remained in Mt. Vernon until Alan retired from Southern Illinois Asphalt Co. in 1996 and they moved to Longboat Key.Pat was active in community affairs. In addition to membership in several book clubs, she was Republican chairwoman for Jefferson County for 10 years. She enjoyed politics the rest of her life. She also enjoyed working at Good Samaritan Hospital for the Ladies Auxiliary and served a one-year term as president. At her home in Longboat Key, she was active in her condominium association, serving on several committees. She was very involved with her church, the Longboat Key Island Chapel, and was on the chapel’s board of directors.In addition to her husband, she is survived by a daughter, Bea and husband Larry Nixon; a brother, Kenneth Becherer; three grandchildren, Amanda Taylor and husband Rick, Michael Nixon and Riki Nixon and fiancé Mitchell Jenkins; and two great grandchildren, Bailey Taylor and Cole Taylor. She was preceded in death by a son, Rick Ackerman, on Oct. 30, 1980. A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday at 10 a.m at Newell Funeral Home with Pastor Randy Sells officiating, with burial following at Oakwood Cemetery. Friends may call at Newell Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday. For those wishing, memorials may be made to the Longboat Island Chapel and will be accepted at the funeral home. For more information, call Newell Funeral Home at 246-0100 or visit www.newellfuneralhome.com for online obituary and online condolences.