Marie Patton

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 spend 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, memorial's in Marie's name to Shriner's Hospital (www.shrinerschildrens.org), or Mouth and Foot Painting Artists or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) would be appreciated by the Patton family. Info 708-481-9230 and panozzobros.com.