Patricia "Patty" A. Wakey

Patricia Ann (nee Darnall) Wakey, 91 of New Lenox, Illinois passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday, April 15, 2023.

Patty was born February 28, 1932 in Peoria, Illinois. She was adopted by James and Nellie Darnall at 1 year old. Patty graduated as Valedictorian from J.D. Darnall High School in Geneseo, Illinois in 1949. She received her Bachelor of Music Education in 1953 from Cornell College in Mt. Vernon Iowa with her major instrument being the violin. She then taught elementary music in Clarion, Iowa for 3 years. After the birth of her children she taught for 10 years in Geneseo, Illinois. She was a member of the Beta Omega chapter of the teacher's organization, Delta Kappa Gamma for 55 years.

Patty directed church children's choirs and adult choirs for a total of 35 1/2 years.

On June 16,1956 Patty married Gordon Wakey in Geneseo, Illinois at The First Congregational Church. Patty and Gordon moved to New Lenox, Illinois in 1976. They were members of the United Methodist Church of New Lenox where they enjoyed fellowship and spiritual growth. Patty was an active member there for 47 years.

She played the violin from 9 years old to well into her 80's. Patty enjoyed playing with church and community orchestras and a string quartet, "Encore Four".

"Music was a big part of my life. Going to musicals, operas and concerts was fun. Being with my friends and family was a joy to me." (Quoted by Patty)

Patty is survived by: two daughters, Sue (Dave) Jacobson of Shabbona, Illinois, Ann Wakey (David Baran) of Chicago Heights, Illinois; two grandchildren: Jessica (Christophe) Sarlandie of Lyon, France and John (Kellie) Jacobson of Prairie City, Iowa and two great granddaughters, Greta and Margot Jacobson of Prairie City, Iowa. Also surviving are two nieces and three nephews.

Patty's family would like to express appreciation to her wonderful caregivers who also are part of her loving family!

She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Gordon on August 26, 2010; and was also preceded by her brothers in law and sisters in law and one nephew.

For those of you who know Patty's grammatical preferences, Patty will be "lying" in state and not "laying"!

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon, Saturday, April 22, 2023 at the United Methodist Church of New Lenox, Illinois, 339 West Haven, New Lenox, Illinois 60451. Visitation will be held from 10:00 Saturday morning until the time of services also at the church. Graveside services will be held at 11:30 Monday morning, April 24 at Western Township Cemetery in Orion, Illinois. Funeral services were arranged by Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home of Ottawa, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the charity of your choice in Patty's name would be appreciated!!! To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.gladfelter-roetker.com or Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home on Facebook.