Patricia Blaisdell

Patricia Ann Blaisdell, nee Leary, age 75, of Orland Park, IL, passed away on November 29, 2022 at her home surrounded by her loving family after a year-long battle with cancer.

She was born in Chicago on October 15, 1947 to William and Bernice (nee Joerger) Leary. Pat graduated from Mother McCauley High School and went on to graduate from Mary Crest College in Davenport, IA. Pat discovered her love of teaching after graduation and began her teaching career in Kewanee, IL in a rural two room schoolhouse. Taking a break to raise her two sons, she returned to the classroom in 1981 and completed a 30 year career at Christa McAuliffe Elementary School in Tinley Park, IL. Her love of teaching was most evident by the numbers of students, current and past, who were anxious to have a few words with her--be it at church, the grocery store or school events.

Patricia, who was lovingly referred to as "The Queen," had many talents and interests. She was an accomplished interior decorator whose opinions and ideas were sought after by family, friends and strangers alike. She was also an avid gardener whose exterior touches were admired by many a passerby. She was a member of the Art Institute and could spend hours roaming the halls and appreciating all it had to offer. A perfect day for The Queen was an afternoon at the Art Institute, dinner at a downtown restaurant followed by a play at the Goodman Theater.

Pat loved to learn and she passed that love on to all of us. Her grandchildren--Eleanor, Harrison, Keira, Kathryn and Beckett--were her main recipients. She was very involved in their academics, monitoring all five during the covid shutdown in her home. She also supported their extra-curricular activities attending many a dance competition, soccer, football, baseball and basketball game.

Pat loved to bake and most winter Sunday afternoons were spent in the kitchen with one or more of her grandchildren teaching them the joy of baking and trying new recipes.

She is survived by her husband of 49 years, John Lawrence; son Aaron and his wife Marciel; three granddaughters Eleanor, Keira and Kathryn; son Jonathan and his wife Tricia; two grandsons Harrison and Beckett; siblings William H. III (Rebecca) Leary, Michael Leary, Kevin (Cindy) Leary, Cathy (Michael) Micetic and the late Timothy Leary; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation Friday, December 9, 2022 from 3-8 p.m. at Colonial Chapel, 15525 S. 73rd Ave. (155th/Wheeler Dr. & Harlem) Orland Park, IL. Family and friends are invited to meet directly at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 9300 W. 167th St., Orland Hills, IL 60487 on Saturday, December 10, 2022 for Mass 10:00 a.m. Burial private.

Below is a photo tribute celebrating Pat's life.



Please omit flowers. Donations in memory of Pat to St. Elizabeth Seton Church Religious Education Department are appreciated.

Express your thoughts and condolences at colonialchapel.com 708-532-5400