Patricia Brennan Besser

Patricia Brennan Besser, passed away on Oct. 26, 2005, after a long illness. Patricia was a fifth generation Chicagoan born on Sept. 11, 1920. She was the eldest daughter of the seven (7) children of the late Charles and Ethel Brennan. Patricia attended St. Scholastica High School and DePaul University. She was accomplished in both drama and debate. A member of the Society of Mayflower Descendants, Patricia was a direct descendant of Mayflower voyagers John Howland and Elizabeth Tilly. Her late husband, John M. Besser Jr., was part of the senior leadership of the Kimberly Clark Corporation as executive vice president. With that role, Patricia and her husband lived throughout the United States and spent four (4) years in Tokyo, Japan, where she developed an expertise in Japanese culture, language and art. She was a member of the Tokyo American Club. Patricia was well known for her sparkling wit, dynamic intelligence and passion for learning. Most importantly, Patricia was the devoted mother of four (4) children and grandmother of eleven (11). She was preceded in death by her husband, John M. Besser Jr.; and is survived by three sons, John M. (Jan) Besser III, Charles N. (Rebecca) Besser and Peter B. (Patty) Besser, all of Chicago; one daughter, Mary Besser (Ken) May of Greenwich, CT; one sister, Rosemary Nichols of Texas; and 11 grandchildren. A private Memorial Mass was held Friday, Nov. 4, at Old Saint Patrick's Church, Chicago, followed by burial in All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to either The Keshet School c/o Ken Cooper, 425 Huehl Road, #13B, Northbrook, IL, 60062 or St. Scholastica, c/o Jack Sigel, 7416 North Ridge, Chicago, IL, 60645.