Patricia Ann Butler, age 85, of Fox River Grove, IL, passed away on June 7, 2026. She was born September 12, 1940 in Marengo, IL to her loving parents, Daniel and Margaret (née Burke) O’Rourke.

Pat was a beacon of love and generosity, illuminating the lives of all who knew her. She displayed a resilience beyond her years, stepping up to raise her three younger brothers after losing both parents early in life. This early display of responsibility shaped her into the dedicated woman she became, devoted to her family, her faith, and her work as a teacher.

A proud Irish Catholic, Pat wore her heritage like a badge of honor, bright as her red hair and as deep as her green eyes. She was an avid traveler with her beloved husband, Jerry, whom she'd been joyfully married to for 63 years. Together, they ventured to Europe, South America, Australia, and across the US and Canada, with Ireland holding a special place in her heart. In the words of John O'Donohue, "The beauty about Ireland is that it's a wonderfully intimate environment. Trees, mountains, and rivers take you into their confidence." And Patricia, with her Irish sweater always close by, embraced this intimacy wholeheartedly, visiting Ireland five times.

A loving wife, a caring mother, and a doting grandmother, Pat's home in Fox River Grove was always filled with laughter, love, and the aroma of good food. She was happiest when surrounded by her family, her heart full and her spirit content. She leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication in her children, Peggy, Andy (Colleen), Brian (Milena), and Fr. Kevin; her grandchildren, Sarah, Jillian, Avery, David, and Danny; and her brothers, Steve, Dave, and Dan O'Rourke.

Pat's steadfast commitment to her Catholic faith was evident in her involvement with Ss. Peter & Paul Parish and her work with the Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekends. A dedicated educator specializing in English, Spanish, and ESL, she touched many lives during her tenure at Peacock Middle School, Loyola Academy, Marillac HS, and St. Viator HS. Her dedication to her career was only surpassed by her dedication to her family, a testament to her loving and generous nature.

Pat's life was a testament to the power of love, faith, and resilience. Her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

Visitation will be 5:00pm to 9:00pm, with vigil service at 7:00pm, Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Kahle-Moore Funeral Home, 403 Silver Lake Road, Cary, IL 60013.

Visitation will continue from 9:30 am until funeral mass at 10:30am, Friday, June 12, 2026, at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 410 N. First Street, Cary, IL 60013.  Fr. Kevin Butler will be officiating.  To access the funeral mass remotely, loved ones are encouraged to watch it live on YouTube.

Interment to follow at Saint John Nepomucene Cemetery, Church Road, Barrington, IL 60010.

Final arrangements entrusted to Kahle-Moore Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-639-3817.