Patricia A Chesler

Patricia A Chesler (nee Mallin), passed away peacefully in the Oak Park home of her devoted and beloved daughter Deborah (Mark) Moroney, on January 12th.
Pat was born in Oak Park to Patricia and Roland "Bud" Mallin on January 26, 1949. Proud graduate of the Class of 1967, Academy of Our Lady (Longwood) High School and a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago, which she forever and always called "Circle." She was the proud and adoring grandma of Liam and Adam Moroney with whom she shared a close relationship, starting with "Grandma Mondays" when they were young to long conversations about movies, politics, and sports as they got older.
Fondly remembered by her brothers and sisters Dan Mallin (Donna), Kathy Rabbers, Bud Mallin (Natalie) and Melissa Colombo. Christened by her niece as "Boppy" aka "Bop", she was a cherished aunt/great aunt to many nieces and nephews, forever slipping them candy, elevating her title at times to "Treat Boppy." She wore this mantle proudly. She was a voracious reader, a world class napper, lover of cinema and avid bridge player, for a time owning and operating a bridge club with her lifelong friend Laurie Levine. Pat was a dedicated public servant, championing policy efforts at the Departments of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse and Children and Family Services, and leading the Governor's Task Force for Human Services Reform. Later in her career, she returned to University of Illinois at Chicago to support research on women's mental health treatment. Her rich legacy will live on in her example of being of service through her lifelong vocation working diligently for families, particularly women and children and those facing substance use disorder.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Pat's name can be made to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) per her wishes.