Verna M. Patterson

Verna M. Patterson, (“Toni”) died peacefully in the company of her family on Feb. 14, 2018 in Fountain Hills. She had a full and happy life of family, friends and service to the Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church and the art communities in Fountain Hills and Kankakee, Ill.

She is the beloved wife of 66 years to the late Robert (Bob) Patterson, dearest mother to Michael (Victoria) and Julia Lanham (Doug); devoted grandmother to Robert Kinsella (Jill), Anna Kinsella, Lauren Robertson (Amalia) and Anne Susemihl; and great-grandmother of Samuel, Lucas, and Zachary Kinsella.

Toni was born in Beaverville, Ill. on September 7, 1928, and later studied fashion design while pursuing a modeling career in California. Married to Bob in 1948, they shared a powerful love for one another from their early courtship to Bob’s passing away in 2015 with Toni by his side.

From service to the community to the legendary birthday club, Toni applied her creativity and style to each task she encountered and was known as a vivacious and gracious hostess who mastered the art of cooking and interior design.

A fiercely devoted mother and friend, her warmth, her wit, her vital spirit, and her boundless love will be deeply missed. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; her daughter, Mary Jan; and her brothers, Lee, Robert, and Richard Castongia.

She is survived by her sister, June; her children, her grandchildren, her great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Toni’s passing will be mourned privately by her family and a celebration of her life will take place on Oct. 13, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at the Fountain Hills Presbyterian Church, 13001 N. Fountain Hills Blvd.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be gratefully received in Toni’s memory by the Breast Cancer Research Foundation,.bcrfcure.org, or a charity of your choice.