Patricia A. Gramse

My beloved mother, Patricia Anne Gramse, known to friends and family as Pat, passed away on April 21, 2025 in her home in Mesa, Arizona at the age of 97. Born to Victor and Venette Diehl on February 15, 1928 in Chicago, Illinois, she was the middle child, with an older sister Jacque, and younger brother Alan. Pat grew up in Villa Park, IL, graduating from York High School in neighboring Elmhurst, IL 1945. While attending Fashion Design School in Chicago, she worked in the Chicago offices of Carnegie Steel, and later at Heart Advertising.
In 1949 Pat met and married Frederick Gramse, and moved to Downers Grove, Illinois where they resided over 50 years and raised their 2 daughters, Judith and Barbara. Loving her family and home, she devoted herself to them in everything she did, from designing and making beautiful clothing, costumes and draperies, to baking or lending a listening ear to those who needed one. She was a wonderful mother and friend who loved to laugh, loved people, always befriended new neighbors, and made it a priority to stay in touch with friends and family.
In addition, Pat enjoyed gardening, crossword puzzles, and playing games. Later in life, she wrote poetry and had a number of poems published in the local newspaper! She was a regular volunteer at the local hospital for many years, and enjoyed traveling overseas and across the country with her husband, Fred, after retirement. They eventually moved to Bonita Springs, Florida where she made many new friends, both in their neighborhood and her new church, where she enjoyed a Ladies Bible Study. Pat's final move was to Mesa, Arizona to be closer to family.
Survived by her brother Alan, and her daughter Barbara, she also deeply loved her 3 grandchildren Shannon, Daniel, and Megan; and 4 great-grandchildren, Shane, Gavin, Tony, and Mila.
Always exuding love and a positive, encouraging attitude, Pat was cherished by all who knew her and will be greatly missed.
Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home, Family Owned Since 1978.