Patricia "Patsy" L. DiBenedetto, nee Burchard, of Indian Head Park, age 97, passed away peacefully at home on May 2, 2023. Pat was born in Chicago, IL on February 7, 1926 to Grace and Joseph Burchard. Family was first for Pat. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Pat is survived by her children Linda (Patrick) Ward, Ernest (Kathryn) DiBenedetto and Kerry (Gary) Wannemacher; her grandchildren, Katje (Matthew) Kear, Rebecca (Joseph) Bimler, Michael (Kimberly) DiBenedetto, Jenny (Patrick) McKenna, and Gary (Leanne) Wannemacher; her great-grandchildren, Andrew, Samantha, Elizabeth, Evelyn, Luke, Joseph, Emily, Mickey, Elliot and Anthony. Pat will be terribly missed by her family and countless friends, especially her dear friend and caretaker, Lynn Work.

Pat attended DePaul University in Chicago, where she was a cheerleader for the National Championship Basketball Team in 1945. She received her master's degree in education at Northwestern University. Pat began her career in the Chicago Park District and from there became a High School teacher, coach and counselor in the Chicago Public Schools. She spent 30 years as a tireless educator. She was a pioneer in women's athletics and coached an all women's basketball team (the Broadview Blazers) to the state championship. Pat was an advocate for Title IX, equal rights for women in Athletics.

Pat enjoyed all Chicago sports teams and was a lifelong Notre Dame football fan and a member of it's "Subway Alumni." She traveled the world, and enjoyed her "beautiful" Bonita Beach parttime residence for 46 years.

Pat had a strong Irish Catholic background. Her faith was important to her and it inspired her to always "give back" to others. She supported many charities, including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Cystic Fibrosis. She also established a girl's athletic scholarship at Resurrection High School in Chicago (her alma mater).

Most of all Pat loved her family and always made time for them. The family felt truly blessed to have had Pat so long in their lives. They will love and cherish every memory of Mom, Gram, and great-grandma Patsy.

Family and friends will be received at the Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cermak Rd., Westchester on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. All to meet Thursday, May 11, 2023 at St. Cletus Church, 600 W. 55 ^th St., LaGrange for a 10:00 a.m. Funeral Mass. Interment Mt. Carmel Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital ( www.stjude.or ) or Cystic Fibrosis Foundation ( www.cff.org ) appreciated. For funeral info 708-F-U-N-E-R-A-L.