Patricia J. Cook-Schmidt, 72, of Bellevue, IL, passed away at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2008, at home, with her family by her side.
Patricia was born in Peoria on June 24, 1935, daughter of Bryan J. Sholl and Ethel M. Gillham. She married Robert Cook. He preceded her in death along with a son, Robert Cook, Jr. After more than a twenty-year courtship, she married Donald E. Schmidt at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Peoria on June 10, 2007. He survives.
Patricia is also survived by two sons, Timothy (Kathy) Cook of Colorado Springs, CO and John Cook of Bellevue, CO; one step-son, Donald (Michelle) Schmidt of Bellevue, IL; three step-daughters, Diane (Conrad) Pierson of Bartonville, Deboreh (John) Martin of Pekin and Darlena (Lonnie) Pitsonbarger of Manteno; and seven grandchildren.
Patricia graduated as valedictorian from Manual High School in 1953. She last worked as a teller at South Side Bank. She also worked at Grimm’s TV for several years.
Patricia was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Peoria. She was an avid square dancer and belonged to many square dancing clubs. She also enjoyed aerobics, walking, bike riding and exercising every single day. She collected butterflies and angels, enjoyed making special cards for her family and friends and decorating her home.
Patricia’s family is proud of the love she displayed for her husband and family and for making their house a home. She will be remembered as a truthful, honest, dedicated, loveable and a dependable woman.
Patricia’s funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 17, 2008, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Peoria with the Franciscan Friars celebrating the mass. Visitation will be one hour prior to the mass at the church. Cremation rites will be accorded following the mass. A private interment of the cremated remains will be at Springdale Cemetery in Peoria. Memorial contributions may be made to OSF Hospice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Clary Funeral Home in Peoria.