Pillard, Patricia A.

August 31, 1936 – December 28, 2022

Patricia A. Pillard (nee Perley) is home with her Lord at the age of 86. Patricia lived a life dedicated to purpose, friendship, family, and God.

Born in Chicago and moved to Mokena in 1947. A 1954 graduate of Joliet Central High School. Patricia was a teacher's aide for special education children; school secretary in both Joliet and Pontiac, IL; and retired from the Department of Corrections School District #426. She continued as a volunteer special education parent/surrogate at the Joliet Youth Center for nine years following her retirement. In 1992 Patricia received the "Those Who Excel" Award of Merit from the Illinois State Board of Education. For eight summers she traveled as a delegation leader with middle and high school students for the People to People Overseas Student Ambassador program. She served on the Advisory Board of Salem Nursing Home, was past Regent for the Louis Joliet Chapter of The Daughters of the American Revolution and organized social events for the Christian Youth Center Seniors. Patricia loved volunteering at Trinity Christian School in Shorewood, where three of her grandchildren were matriculated.

Preceded in death by parents Frank and Thelma Perley and foster father Harry Leinenweber.

Survived by her husband of 35 years, Henry Pillard. Three sons Steve (Cindy), Shawn (Cheri), and Scott Spiess, her daughter Shari (Mike) Steele, step-daughter Deon Pillard and daughter-in-law Terra Spiess. Ten grandchildren Dan, Lindsay, Shane, Morgan, Mandy, Joel, Josh, Hayley, Payton and Mason and six great-grandchildren.

The family would like to acknowledge the remarkable care that Patricia received at Rock Run Place Memory Care Center and from the Joliet Area/Lightways Community Hospice. The kind and caring staff at both of these organizations are to be commended for their compassion and commitment to providing the highest quality care for their residents and the resident's families.

Funeral services will be held at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory, 2320 Black Rd., Saturday, January 7th at 11:00 A.M. Private family interment will be held in the Coquillard-Perley family section on the campus of the University of Notre Dames' Cedar Grove Cemetery in South Bend, IN. Memorials to Trinity Christian School in Shorewood will be appreciated. Visitation will be held Saturday from 9:00 A.M. until time of services.